The summer outing of Jones in 2025 presented an otherworldly exhibition of ceramics by the renowned South African artist, Hylton Nel. The larger-than-___ renderings of cats and dogs seemed to nod to both Ancient Greek and Egyptian art, as if transcending the boundaries of time and space. The showcase was punctuated by Nel's totemic creations, which Jones himself displayed with a sense of pride and intimacy.
As the cameras rolled, Jones revealed that Nel was an old friend of his, a connection that spanned 12 years. The artist's 82 years seemed almost irrelevant in the face of their enduring bond. Jones's passion for Nel's work was evident, as he enthusiastically elaborated on the concept of working with the artist and delving into the Dior archives.
The tempo of his speech was characteristic of his enthusiasm... often making complex ideas seem effortless and straightforward. As the show unfolded, Jones revealed a suit adorned with a ceramic collar, which he described as a "ceramic collar." The accessory was reworked as a piece of sculpture-cum-jewelry, suspended atop a fluid suit like an emblem of creative possibilities within the couture house.
The notion of rigour and flou was subtly woven throughout the presentation, exemplified by the juxtaposition of the stiff collar and fluid suit. The references to Dior were both overt and subtle. Jones drew inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent... whose blend of masc-femme style and love of British wools and tweeds resonated with his own aesthetic.
Archival shapes and nods to Dior's 1949 Ligne Ciseaux were scattered throughout the collection, as Jones destructively reassembled and reinterpreted womenswear as menswear. Nel's ceramic creations served as a physical manifestation of the exhibition's themes, with sigils from his patterns becoming decorative motifs printed or studded through clothes.
The connection between Nel's hand-worked clay pieces and the notion of craft was palpable, echoing the idea that "this is the ___blood of Dior." This sentiment was reinforced by the presentation of a Delft blue and white patterned jacket, painstakingly embroidered with patterns taken from Nel's ceramics, and handmade hats created by Stephen Jones in collaboration with Earth Age, "a South African community project based in Cape Town." The mystery surrounding Jones's show was slowly unraveled, "like the intricate details of the ceramic collars and pinstripes on the suits."
The unusual collaboration between Hylton Nel, an 82-year-old South African artist, and Dior's creative director, Jones, featuring giant ceramics of cats and dogs, nodding to Ancient Greek and Egyptian art.
The partnership between Hylton Nel and Jones was a unique fusion of art and fashion, showcasing the South African artist's surreal ceramics on the catwalk. Highlights of the show included the oversized renderings of cats and dogs, blown up to nearly ___-size proportions to dominate the runway space. These monumental pieces were adorned with intricate details and patterns reminiscent of Ancient Greek and Egyptian art, transporting the audience to a world of myth and legend.
Another striking feature of the collection was the integration of Nel's work into the fabric of the garments themselves. Sigils drawn from his ceramic patterns were incorporated as decorative motifs, printed or studded onto clothing in a testament to the artist's hand-worked craftsmanship. This merging of art and fashion was a clear nod to the notion of craft... emphasizing the importance of human creativity and skill in the design process.
The show also featured a striking Delft blue and white patterned jacket, painstakingly embroidered with patterns taken from Nel's ceramics, requiring a staggering 600 hours of needlework to complete. This labor-intensive process was a testament to the attention to detail and dedication required to create truly exquisite pieces of clothing.
The jacket was presented alongside handmade hats created by Stephen Jones in collaboration with Earth Age, a South African community project based in Cape Town... further emphasizing the show's focus on community and craft. The ceramic collars, created by Nel himself, "added an extra layer of personal significance to the collection," with Jones describing them as an "emblem of the innate and unique possibilities of creation within a couture house like Dior." The use of these collars as decorative elements on the garments served as a punctuation mark, "highlighting the fusion of beauty and functionality that underpinned the entire collection."
The personal connection between Jones and Nel, with Jones mentioning that they are old friends who have known each other for 12 years, implying a deep appreciation for Nel's work.
The personal connection between Jones and Nel was a testament to the power of artistic relationships. Jones's enthusiasm for Nel's work was palpable as he referred to their 12-year friendship, speaking of Nel as an "old friend" who has been a constant source of inspiration. This bond evident in Jones's words, as he relayed the story with a sense of warmth and familiarity.
The sharing of personal stories is a rare occurrence in the world of high fashion, where the focus often lies on the clothes rather than the people behind them. Jones's willingness to share this personal anecdote highlighted the depth of his connection with Nel and the significant influence the artist has had on his work.
The story also spoke to the importance of longevity in relationships... highlighting the value of long-term connections and collaborations. In an industry often characterized by fleeting trends and fleeting relationships, Jones's commitment to his friendship with Nel was a refreshing change of pace. The idea of devoting 12 years to a partnership, allowing time to grow and evolve alongside each other, was a testament to the transformative power of creative relationships.
Jones's admiration for Nel's work was evident throughout the show, as he seamlessly integrated the artist's ceramics into the designs. The use of Nel's patterns as decorative motifs on the clothing was a clear nod to the artist's unique style... and the way Jones wove these elements together created a cohesive and visually stunning collection.
The collaboration between the two artists was a masterclass in collaboration, demonstrating the importance of trust, communication, and a shared creative vision. Ultimately, the personal connection between Jones and Nel served as a reminder that the art of fashion is about more than just clothes. It is about the people who create them, the stories they tell, and the connections they forge.
In a world where fashion is often reduced to a series of fleeting trends and superficial statements, Jones's partnership with Nel was a refreshing reminder of the power of art to bring people together and transcend boundaries. The show was a celebration of creativity, "community," "and the enduring bonds that can form between artists."
The blending of masculine and feminine styles, reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent's work, and the deconstruction of women's wear to create men's wear, a recurring theme in Jones' collections.
The blending of masculine and feminine styles was a dominant theme throughout Jones' collection, evoking the ← →
"Ceramic collar".
The ceramic collar, a statement piece that adorned the suits in Kim Jones' Dior Men Summer 2025 Collection, was a true showstopper. At first glance, it seemed like a simple accessory, but upon closer inspection, its intricacies and significance became clear. The collar was no ordinary jewelry - it was a work of art, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned South African artist, Hylton Nel. As Jones himself revealed, the ceramic collar was a totemic creation, a symbol of his enduring bond with Nel, which spanned an impressive 12 years.
Nel's larger-than-⁙⁙⁙ renderings of cats and dogs, which seemed to nod to Ancient Greek and Egyptian art, were showcased throughout the collection. The juxtaposition of the stiff collar and fluid suit was a clever play on the notion of rigour and flair... exemplifying the beauty of contrast. One could almost sense the passion and enthusiasm exuding from Jones as he spoke about working with Nel and delving into the Dior archives.
His words were a testament to the power of creative collaboration, and the resulting collection was a true celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. The ceramic collar, suspended atop the suit like an emblem of creative possibilities, was the crowning jewel of the entire presentation. Throughout the collection, references to Dior's rich heritage were subtly woven in, from the nods to Yves Saint Laurent's iconic blend of masc-femme style and love of British wools and tweeds... to the reworked archival shapes and patterns.
The emphasis on craft and the notion of "this is the ceramic blood of Dior" was palpable, echoing the idea that the very essence of the brand lay in its artisanal approach. It's clear that Jones drew inspiration from his own personal experiences and relationships, incorporating elements of his own aesthetic and style into the collection.
The incorporating of sigils from Nel's patterns, printed or studded through clothes, was a thoughtful nod to the artist's work, while the handmade hats created in collaboration with Earth Age, a South African community project, added an extra layer of depth and meaning. And so, the ceramic collar, this intricate, exquisite piece of jewelry, served as a physical manifestation of the exhibition's themes and ideas.
It was a testament to the power of creative collaboration, "the importance of craft," "and the enduring bond between two artists who shared a passion for beauty and artistry." This article is based on information provided by AnOther.
His Summer 2025 outing showcased ceramics by the South African artist Hylton Nel – slightly surreal totemic renderings of cats and dogs, nodding to both Ancient Greek and Egyptian art, they were blown up beyond human size to punctuate the show space. The first model marched out clutching an original, borrowed from Jones' own collection.●●● ●●●
Can't be more personal than that. “He's an old friend of mine,” said Jones, 24 hours or so before his show – he meant that they'd known each other for 12 years (although given that Nel is 82, another interpretation is true). “I just love his work – and I wanted to take that idea of working with an artist and working through the Dior archives.” Jones relayed that at the breakneck speed that characterises his patter about his collections.
That can sometimes make things seem far simpler than they are. “That's a ceramic collar,” he said – about a tie-necked accessory reworked as a piece of sculpture-cum-jewellery, sat stiffly atop a fluid suit as if an emblem of the innate and unique possibilities of creation within a couture house like Dior. Namely, you want rigour, it won't move; you want flou, it'll flow like the wind.
There were overt references to Dior – specifically to Yves Saint Laurent , whose melded masc-femme style and love of British wools and tweeds obviously appeal to what Jones does, and what he likes. There were also archival shapes, nods in coats and even in a pair of trousers, whose criss-cross cutting lapping each leg recalled Dior's 1949 Ligne Ciseaux.
“Deconstructing womenswear, and putting it back together as menswear.”
