Poised at the intersection of arts and craftsmanship, the Dior Summer 2025 show sublimely embodied Kim Jones’s tribute to Hylton Nel, whose aesthetic infused the entire collection. Monumental XXL reinterpretations of selected ceramics by the artist – representing his emblematic cats – composed a dream bestiary with surrealist accents. A blend of theatricality and whimsy, the set came to life to the enveloping strains of Cloudbusting by Kate Bush.

From the artist’s studio to that of the couturier, the looks demonstrated the powerful connections, more essential now than ever, between cultures and savoir-faire. Inhabited by the creative energy of the South African ceramist, irresistibly sculptural silhouettes played on texture, shape and pattern to reprise – in a couture version – his fascinating work in clay.  The apron, symbolizing the traditional workwear wardrobe, complemented some trousers like a subtle belt, while others merged with the drape of a skirt, recalling the iconic Oblique curves of the House. Tailoring met outerwear, and elegance fused with practicality on clothes with rounded volumes, offering audaciously captivating mix-and-match propositions with enveloping knits and transparent effects.

Extending the confluence of beauty and utility, accessories also translated this virtuoso alchemy. The clog transformed into a biker boot or a derby, combining a wooden sole and studded construction with an ultra-functional rubber one. Layered socks were boldly enhanced with drawings by Hylton Nel. Precious flourishes with a resolutely arty spirit, scarf collars – inspired by a model designed by Yves Saint Laurent for the Dior autumn-winter 1960-1961 line entitled Négatif – seem fashioned from ceramic thanks to a unique, innovative technique. The material also adorned the brooches that magnified lapels on jackets and coats. An intimate, universal and infinitely pluralistic expression of Dior’s inventive singularity.