It’s official: Kim Jones is saying au revoir to Dior

After seven years and a whopping 28 collections, Kim Jones has stepped down from his position as artistic director of menswear at Dior. No successor has been named.

The house announced the news this morning with a brief statement expressing its “deepest gratitude” to the British designer, who has “accelerated the development of men’s collections internationally and has greatly contributed to the worldwide influence of the House by creating an inspiring wardrobe that is both classic and contemporary, and connected to some artists of our time.”

Jones’ tenure has been marked by its creative collaborations and cultural crossovers; he’s teamed up with artists Daniel Arsham, KAWS, Peter Doig, and Hajime Sorayama, and brands including 1017 ALYX 9SM, Erl, Stone Island, and Stüssy; he’s taken inspiration from authors Frank Herbert (who wrote Dune) and Jack Kerouac, from Charleston House and the Bloomsbury Group, and from the original bad boy of ballet, Rudolf Nureyev; he’s also paid homage to fellow designers Judy Blame, Yves Saint Laurent and of course, Monsieur Dior himself.

In a statement, Delphine Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer of Christian Dior couture, acknowledged this aspect of Jones’ contribution in particular: “I am extremely grateful for the remarkable work done by Kim Jones, his studio, and the ateliers. With all his talent and creativity, he has constantly reinterpreted the House’s heritage with genuine freedom of tone and surprising, highly desirable artistic collaborations.”

Jones himself said it was a “true honour to have been able to create my collections within the house of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence”. “I express my deep gratitude to my studio and the ateliers who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey,” he went on. “They have brought my creations to life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the artists and friends I have met through my collaborations. Lastly, I feel sincere gratitude towards Bernard and Delphine Arnault, who have given me their full support.”

The news of Jones’ departure comes in the wake of his beautiful and slightly funereal AW25 show at Paris Fashion Week Men’s (which was giving final show, let’s be honest) and of his receipt of a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (the French equivalent of a knighthood).

The news also arrives amid an industry-wide changing of the guard, creative directors switching at not only Dior but Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Margiela, Valentino, and other ones I can’t think of right now because it’s really early in the morning and I wasn’t expecting to write this news story. Of course, if you're a follower of Miss Tweed, Boring Not Com and other Lady Whistledown-type figures in the fashion industry, none of this will be a surprise, but at least now the rumours are confirmed.