In collaboration with renowned rapper Travis Scott, Dior Men's Summer 2022 collection isn't exactly inspired by hip-hop or his music but rather the musician's origins, the state of Texas. Tying in together with Christian Dior's trip to America, – in order to celebrate his debut collection in 1947 – where he was enamoured by the grand canyons and deserts of Texas, Cactus Jack Dior is an exploration between two friends, cultures and eras, a conversation between the identities of the famed rapper and the heritage of the house, presented at the heart of the Invalides in Paris.
The scenography is inspired by both upbringings, from Christian Dior's childhood rose garden which actually evolves into a cactus garden, influenced by Travis Scott's youth. The colour palette of the dusty deserts presents mauves, cafés, pistachios and pale blues, which were the colours of Dior's haute couture gowns. A connection made possible through Kim Jones' vision, as he has managed to merge both perspectives, the Dior Toile de Jouy transforms here into a Toile de Cactus, depicting desert scenes, the Tailleur Oblique is fastened quite high up in the body, adding a formality that contrasts the sportswear elements like track pants or t-shirts – that also present couture detailing, of course.
Travis Scott has also peppered throughout his own touch through the re-imagining of the Dior logo, via a series of hand-drawn graphics which have been used as prints and embroidery details. As well as using the topography of Houston, his hometown, and the Cactus Jack character, which gives name to the collection, coming from his own music label called Cactus Jack Records. The show also presents numerous other synergies, from Stephen Jones' hats, which fuse the French Bob hat with the American beanie, Victoire de Castellane's (Dior's Joaillerie Artistic Director) cactus necklace with blooming precious gems, and artist George Condo's hand-painted shirts – which merge American pop sensibilities with European old master painting – which will be auctioned off, the money will go to support future generations of creative talent through scholarships.
Travis Scott has also peppered throughout his own touch through the re-imagining of the Dior logo, via a series of hand-drawn graphics which have been used as prints and embroidery details. As well as using the topography of Houston, his hometown, and the Cactus Jack character, which gives name to the collection, coming from his own music label called Cactus Jack Records. The show also presents numerous other synergies, from Stephen Jones' hats, which fuse the French Bob hat with the American beanie, Victoire de Castellane's (Dior's Joaillerie Artistic Director) cactus necklace with blooming precious gems, and artist George Condo's hand-painted shirts – which merge American pop sensibilities with European old master painting – which will be auctioned off, the money will go to support future generations of creative talent through scholarships.
