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Welcome to Day 2: Who is Kim Jones? Discovering Designers Careers
British menswear designer Kim Jones, is most known for revolutionising Louis Vuitton’s menswear with a fresh perspective leading into a luxury streetwear aesthetic. Jones now leads iconic fashion houses; Fendi and Dior Men, following the footsteps of some of the most visionary and impactful icons.
Jones had an interesting and unusual childhood, some say this led to his global and creative vision he has today. He grew up traveling the world with his parents, by the age of 4 he had been all around Africa. Wildlife grew to be another passion of the artistic directors. From a young age he was exposed to many different cultures and fashions, taking in and appreciating how differently people used clothing as self-expression.
The distinguished designer attended the University of Central Saint Martins to study menswear, graduating in 2002. When the promising young Jones caught the attention of John Galliano as a fresh graduate. Spotted at the start of his career, Galliano purchased half of his graduate collection. With the potential of Jones screaming out from the very beginning, McQueen also became somewhat of a mentor and friend, helping him establish his acclaimed brand. As, shortly after graduating, Jones established his own short-lived label forming a reputation for the edgy, innovative streetwear aesthetic. He ran his own collections for eight seasons, before disassembling the brand to take on his first creative director role at Dunhill.
While his own brand earned him a cult following, it was his contribution to some of fashion’s most prestigious houses that brought his impact to light. His ability to reinvent esteemed, luxury brands is what stands Kim Jones out from the crowd. Beginning his in-house career in 2008 he was officially appointed the creative director of Dunhill, immediately entrusted with reinventing the gentleman tailor firm. His remarkable work here earned him the BFC’s Menswear Designer of the Year Award. What’s more? He quickly caught the attention of Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LMVH, where he was promptly plucked to take the driver’s seat at the menswear of Louis Vuitton in 2011. Here he launched streetwear into luxury, this innovation had not been done before, leading some to believe he is responsible for the two becoming the new-fangled duo of the 21st century. He was also the creative force behind Louis Vuitton X Supreme, a unique alliance that set the bar high for cross-genre brand collaboration. Solidifying streetwear’s place in luxury, the partnership was a huge success and a sensational vision of Jones’s. Taking charge of one of the global fashion powerhouses as though the role was made for him, Jones was awarded Designer of the Year again in his first year at Louis Vuitton. His collections and creative leadership proved an instant hit with the industry professionals.
After reinventing the creative vision at Louis Vuitton, propelling the luxury label into success, Jones moved on to a new, compelling role in 2018, joining Dior Men as the first ever British artistic director. His success and visionary approach continue to grow as he unveils collection after collection, admired and deemed impressive by insiders. Jones flourished when accomplishing to not only maintain but celebrate the house’s timeless elegance while looking to the future. Establishing his reputation as a connoisseur of collabs, the icon who merged two fashion worlds, he brought Dior X Air Jordan to life. This capsule collection became the epitome of streetwear sneakers, a partnership close to his heart as a boy who once used to share a pair of Jordan’s with his friends.
Most recently in September 2020, the British, everlasting, fashion sensation joined Fendi as the new artistic director, following in the icons; Karl Lagerfeld’s footsteps. Now being the leading light for Haute Couture and ready to wear for women, while still remaining at the artistic helm of Dior Men. We can’t keep up with the diligent designer whose in demand of the fashion world. His latest ventures at Fendi embrace more innovative partnerships in the world of high-end fashion. The extraordinary unite of Versace and Fendi: Fendace bought something completely new to the industry of luxury X luxury, but this was more than just a collaboration, this was about a celebration of friendship and two Italian heritage brands coming together to make history. Kim and Donatella swapped roles in an entrusted celebration of their cultural impacts, the collaboration was born out of fundamental respect for one another. But, Kim Jones did not stop there with Fendi, he has surprised the fashion world again with Fendi X Skims (Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand), a first of its kind collaboration, uniting luxury and innovation. Jones’ capability of pushing boundaries in unconventional ways is what makes him the prospering designer he is.
The sensation that is Kim Jones has become one of the most innovative and sensational designers to date, being awarded with the Wall Street Journal’s Fashion Innovator and the British Fashion Council’s Prestigious Designer of the year 2021 for his innovative, notable impacts on the industry. We can’t wait to see what moves he makes next…
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