
BACKSTAGE AT DIOR MEN’S W25-26
By Iris JEANSON
Kim Jones now reimagines men’s fashion with the Dior Winter 2025-2026 collection, juxtaposing extravagance with simplicity, tradition with modernity. Inspired by the iconic Ligne H created by Christian Dior in 1954, men’s couture is celebrated through innovative volumes, from fitted to flared silhouettes, highlighted in reinterpreted opera coats.
Exquisite drapery evokes a choreography of lights and shadows: fabrics become the artwork. Accessories balance refinement with utility, as soft bags and rugged boots of weathered leather and satin couture bows pop in for unexpected flair.
The show unfolded in a venue that combined the grandeur of an 18th-century opera house with minimalist modernity. The runway, a luminous pathway, reflected the chiaroscuro motif of the collection, alternating between warm golden tones and cool shadows to emphasize the garments’ details and the theme of transformation.
Mirrors surrounded the space, creating an illusion of infinite depth and timelessness. A striking centerpiece, inspired by Christian Dior’s iconic H-line silhouette, stood as a symbol of the maison’s legacy, bridging its storied past with its innovative present.
The music by Michael Nyman provided an emotional journey, echoing the evolution of menswear explored in the collection. Opening with a haunting orchestral composition that blended baroque influences with modern electronic undertones, the score set the tone for the fusion of historical and contemporary styles.
As the show progressed, layered arrangements reflected the collection’s narrative. Strings surged during key moments, such as the unveiling of voluminous opera coats and intricate pink robes, while subtle basslines grounded the ethereal silks and satins in a modern rhythm. Italian arias, interwoven throughout the score, added a touch of romanticism and drama, nodding to the collection’s Casanova inspiration. The finale’s uplifting crescendo encapsulated the transformative spirit of the collection.
The seamless interplay of staging and music elevated Dior’s Winter 2025-2026 show into a celebration of art, fashion, and history. Kim Jones masterfully used light, sound, and space to highlight the collection’s intricate craftsmanship and narrative depth. From the dramatic lighting to the evocative soundtrack, every element worked in unison to create a show that was as visually striking as it was emotionally resonant.
Photos by @elise_toide



























