Kim Jones (designer)
Kim Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kim Niklas Jones September 11, 1979 London, England |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Known for | Artistic director roles at Louis Vuitton Menswear, Dior Homme, and Fendi Womenswear |
Kim Niklas Jones OBE (born 11 September 1979) is a British fashion designer. After completing his studies at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, he has held the position of artistic director for menswear at Louis Vuitton, womenswear at Fendi, and for Dior Homme.
Early life and education
Jones was born in London but spent much of his youth in Ecuador, the Caribbean, and Africa, following his father's career as a hydrologist. He initially pursued graphic design and photography at Camberwell School of Art before earning an MA in Fashion Menswear from Central Saint Martins, graduating in 2002.
Kim Jones, 2003–2008
In 2003, Jones established his own label and made his debut at MAN in 2005 with a brief fashion film. His shows during this time featured collaborations with photographers such as Alasdair McLellan and Luke Smalley.
Throughout this phase, Jones partnered with brands including Hugo Boss, Topman, Umbro, Mulberry, Iceberg, as well as Kanye West's Pastelle. His appointment as Creative Director of the British luxury menswear brand Alfred Dunhill in 2008 prompted him to discontinue his personal brand.
Louis Vuitton, 2011–2018
Jones took on the role of style director for Louis Vuitton’s menswear line in 2011, succeeding Paul Helbers. He played a key role in the acclaimed 2017 collaboration with skatewear label Supreme, which featured branded hoodies, bags, and accessories. On 17 January 2018, it was announced that Jones would be departing Louis Vuitton after unveiling his final Autumn/Winter 2018 collection.
Dior, 2018–2025
On 19 March 2018, Jones was named artistic director of Dior Homme, succeeding Kris Van Assche. Prior to his inaugural show in June 2018 during Paris Men's Fashion Week, he designed the morning suit worn by David Beckham at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In May 2019, Jones presented initial sketches for BTS’s bespoke tour costumes created for their Love Yourself World Tour. Working alongside creative directors such as Matthew Williams and Dior’s jewellery director Yoon Ahn, he merged Dior’s classic floral designs with industrial elements like harnesses and chains.
British designer Lucy Beeden has collaborated with Jones for over fifteen years and currently serves as Dior Men's Design Director.
In 2024, Jones introduced Dior Men's first couture collection inspired by photographs of Rudolf Nureyev taken by his uncle Colin Jones.
Dior announced in January 2025 that Jones would be stepping down from his role as artistic director of Dior Homme.
Fendi, 2020–2024
In September 2020, Jones was appointed Artistic Director of Fendi's women's line, taking over from Karl Lagerfeld. By October 2024, he declared his exit from overseeing Fendi’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and fur collections for women.
Other projects
Jones has contributed as stylist and art director to publications such as Dazed & Confused, Arena Homme +, Another Magazine, New York Times T Style, 10 Men, V Man, i-D magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Numero Homme, and Fantastic Man. Additionally, he has styled womenswear for V and POP magazines.
Significant undertakings include:
- The self-published project 'Umbro by Kim Jones' (2006) featuring photography by Alasdair McLellan
- Short films titled ‘Everywhere’ (London Fashion Week 2006) and ‘Poplife’ (showstudio.com, Spring/Summer 2006)
- A womenswear capsule collection celebrating Isetan Tokyo's 120th anniversary in partnership with Visionaire and Comme des Garçons
- Participation in the Museum of London exhibition "The London Look – fashion from the street to catwalk"
- The book ‘Kim Jones’ by Luke Smalley (Twin Palms, 2004)
- Short films created with Toyin for Autumn/Winter 2003 collection launches
Awards and honours
- 2021 British Fashion Awards – recognized for work with Dior Men and Fendi
- 2019 British Fashion Awards – awarded Menswear Designer of the Year
- 2009 British Fashion Awards – Menswear Designer of the Year for Dunhill
- 2006 British Fashion Awards – honored as Menswear Designer of the Year
- Two-time recipient of the Topshop New Generation Award
- Beneficiary of the Dazed and Confused/Egg Bursary
- Numerous nominations from magazines such as GQ, Elle, and Arena
In the 2020 Birthday Honours, Jones was designated Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his contributions to fashion. In January 2025, he received the title Knight (Chevalier) of the Legion of Honour in Paris, leading to media outlets referring to him as "Sir Kim."
Personal life
Jones is related to the late photographer Colin Jones (1936–2021), his uncle. He lives in London in a residence crafted by Italian architect Gianni Botsford.