The Dior Men’s AW21 show opened with a bang as the cosmos exploded onto our screens, taking us on a rocket journey to outer space. Originally slated to be shown in Beijing, the pandemic necessitated a move online this season but the sense of spectacle didn’t suffer this transition. Against a dazzling, galactic backdrop, Kim Jones sent out his latest offerings which were just as brimming with energy. 

As we come to the end of a year of adversity for many across the world, the collection Jones showed was joyful – full of optimism, acid colours, and playful graphics inspired by nostalgic childhood loves like cartoons and comic books. Some joie de vivre dans un dark time. 

Collaborating with legendary Downtown street artist Kenny Scharf, the collection transposed the artist’s paintings on brocade, Chinese seed-stitch embroidery, and prints combined with fringe or metallic threads. These are clothes that give you something to look forward to, that remind you there will be a time when we can change out of our trackies and hoodies and have a reason to put on beautiful, elegant outfits again.

There was also plenty to keep us cosy in the meantime, however. Fuzzy monogram slippers with matching socks, silky satin suits, and wider silhouettes that are more conducive to lockdown lounging. The iconic Saddle bag, meanwhile, was also given a makeover being reinvented with delicate jacquards, seed stitch embroidery, and Pop brights.

The beauty followed the extraterrestrial theme, with many of the models who hadn’t donned Stephen Jones’ tambourine-style berets for the runway instead styled with colourful space buns in Day-Glo hues of blues, greens, and pinks.

Take the journey into the techni-coloured, hyperreal world of Dior yourself below.