Dior Men SS22

There is no denying the fact that fashion and music are intertwined. The creative director of Dior, Kim Jones, took that statement literally when he decided to collaborate on his SS22 menswear collection with American rapper and producer Travis Scott. It was only a matter of time until Scott was designated a role in the creative process, as he has been a familiar face at numerous shows that Jones directs. 

After watching the show, it’s obvious where Scott drew inspiration from. Born and raised in Houston, the show is a clear ode to the landscape and traditions of the city. There is a cactus emblem in some form on almost every piece, whether that be as a brooch, hand-painted onto a shirt, or sewn into the pattern. The collection isn’t under Travis Scott’s name but instead his alias, Cactus Jack. The backdrop for the show ties into the classic French garden landscape that is commonly associated with Dior and Scott’s childhood scenery. 

Rather than straying from the staples of Dior, including the classic saddlebag and knit sweaters, Jones and Scott found a way to elevate it to more of a street style-esque collection. The colour palette also ties back to Scott’s roots in Texas, a medley of pinks, greens, and browns, which are also colours commonly found in his style. The rapper was given a chance to use his hand-drawn designs in the collection, making it an extraordinarily authentic and honest collaboration. Oversized sweater vests, tailored pants, and layered t-shirts are staples in Scott’s closet, very similar to what was shown in the collection. Mixing elegance and hip-hop on the runway is something that very few attempt and even fewer succeed at, yet Jones and Scott have seemed to master it seamlessly. 

Kim Jones has transformed the world of fashion when it comes to collaborations. Before his time at the Dior Fashion House, he has released personal collaborations with Nike, Umbro, and Converse. The ‘Air Dior’ was his collaboration between Dior and Jordan Brand last year and retailed for $2000 USD. With that being said, Jones collaborated with yet another artist on this collection, George Condo. The shirts that feature Condo’s hand-painted work are to be auctioned off, and the money raised is to be put towards scholarships for young designers. Travis Scott has had a history of giving back to his community and covering tuition costs through the Cactus Jack Foundation. When talking about his recent collection, Jones said, “Travis told me he was starting a foundation for kids to go to Parsons. If we do this with Dior, there’s such a voice around it. If I were going to college now, I wouldn’t be able to afford to do it” (Vogue Runway). 

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There should be an importance placed on inspiring the next generation of creatives, which Kim Jones and Travis Scott are trying to accomplish in the best way possible. They have designed a collection that blurs the line between fashion and music, emphasizing the crucial role each plays in one another’s industry.

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Isabella Hamilton