Having presented one collection for the menswear side of Dior, Kim Jones discusses what’s next
WHEN KIM JONES STARTED AS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF MENSWEAR AT LUXURY GOODS JUGGERNAUT LOUIS VUITTON IN 2011, the world of men’s fashion was a very different place. Off-White was but a twinkle in Virgil Abloh’s eye, London Fashion Week Men’s didn’t exist and the menswear market was worth some R218 billion – a pittance compared to the R304 billion valuation it’s expected to achieve in 2021. What’s more, the idea that sportswear could be considered high fashion was laughable. Overpriced boat shoes for millionaire septuagenarians to wear on their yachts? Absolutely. Eleven thousand-rand trainers designed for trendy kids to wear to clubs? Forget it.
It was Jones who helped to change all that. For his first collection for Louis Vuitton, shown in Paris in June 2011, Jones filled his runway with tennis shoes, tube socks, running sneakers, bomber jackets, and backpacks. Sure, the trainers might have been made from French calf leather and, yes, the bomber jackets were cut from the finest alligator, but it was sportswear nonetheless and it was like nothing Louis Vuitton had ever shown before. In the seasons hence, Jones produced a series of collaborations with Nike, he made the trainer category one of the highest performing in the Louis Vuitton portfolio and he even partnered with streetwear behemoth Supreme for his a/w ’17 Louis Vuitton collection. The collaboration caused such a stir that the pop-up stores LV opened to sell the stuff had to close because they became so dangerously overcrowded.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2019 de GQ South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2019 de GQ South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
I am Legend
For 40 years, Toyota has produced an iconic 4x4. In 2024 it's received a subtle, rejuvenating facelift - and more. The Land Cruiser 76 is made for Africa.
Alternative Investments
We take a look at how alternative investments offer a diverse range of opportunities beyond the traditional, with a particular focus on venture capital
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
AYABONGA KHAKA IS A RIGHT-ARM medium bowler for South Africa's national cricket team, and earned a national contract with Cricket South Africa in 2018.
THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE
From his debut album Golden Power to the recent hit \"Yes God\", Oscar Mbo is still the king of deep house music. Apart from consistently energising groovists with his beats, he also stands out as the country's most stylish DJ - and a savvy businessman
GOLDEN BOY
With top-charting hits such as \"Adiwele\", \"Sete\" and \"Imithandazo\", Young Stunna is the face of amapiano, and a rising icon. In a remarkably short time, he's carved out his path in the music industry and stands poised to conquer the world
Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing
THESE FIVE REMARKABLE WOMEN LEADING WITH COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND LIMITLESS AMBITION ARE REDEFINING SUCCESS IN THEIR OWN TERMS
DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY
He's renowned for his skill and versatility - but the legacy of Damian Willemse is built on inspiring others, both on and off the field
The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World
Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices
Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide
From advanced laser therapies to cutting-edge injectables, these innovative procedures offer effective solutions for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, and contouring the body
Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape
“Demon’s Kiss” put him on the map but there’s more to this Renaissance man than just hit singles.