France, Italy and England – rivals on the football pitch but allies in this month’s buzziest fashion collaboration.
From Paris, Dior brings the chicness, the craftsmanship and the first-class construction.
From Ravarino, Stone Island provides the technical details, the utilitarian forms and the chemical colours.
From London, Kim Jones (creative director of Dior Men’s) melds them together to form a lush line that their respective followings have been eagerly anticipating since it was announced last month.
Upon brainstorming the collection, Jones discovered several commonalities to hone in on – romance, rigour and meticulousness amongst them. Plus a shared dedication for outstanding materials like silk, and innovative techniques like garment-dyed embroidery.
But during the research stage, he was more concerned with contrast: How would a tailoring motif from Dior’s spring/summer 1952 haute couture collection look atop a field jacket inspired by a Stone Island SS98 layer?
Boss best describes the rest of the collection, too – from the dual-logo saddle bag, to the transeasonal vests to the painstakingly embellished bombers. It’s a blend of heritage and high fashion that will appeal to fans and players alike. Just remember to get the badge in.
The Stone Island x Dior collection is now available in Selfridges, and will hit Dior boutiques and the Dior webstore on Thursday 4 July.