Portrait of an Artist #DIORSUMMER21

The difference here is no techno music and no runway strut. Act I, edited by Chris Cunningham presents a documentary-like introduction to Boafo’s “finger-painting technique” and how Jones brings Boafo’s works to life. Act II, directed by Jackie Nickerson, is 3 minutes in length and shows the pieces in movement.

This is, of course, not Jones’ first citation of Africa in his work. However, notice even in the blurb that there is no mention of ‘exotic skins’ or ‘travel’. This collection is real appreciation, not cultural appropriation. It exemplifies the beauty of a mutual collaboration, presenting clothing as wearable art. 

In response to the obvious question of whether the all-black cast was a political response, Jones answered stating that work on this collection started last December (following their meeting at the Rubell Museum in Miami where the Pre-Fall show was held). 

Perhaps it is Max Richter’s soundtrack in Act II, though this seems to be the most romantic collections of Jones’ tenure at Dior Homme. Even though virtually presented, it felt more convincing and intimate. And the clothes reflect this: the miniature briefcase, the stitched ivy shirt, the white neckerchief, the bow neck detailing, the fuzzy turtleneck, the tri-colour cummerbund, the baby blues, the pearl-lined button-up and the sheer fabrics.

As I type from extreme comfort (on the couch, to be precise, which I have very much sunken into over the past few months), Dior has already revealed two collections.

The Summer 2021 Men’s Collection comes a week after the enchanting Autumn-Winter 2020-2021 Haute Couture collection short which offered a surrealist escape in under 15 minutes. 

Naturally, the Dior Homme release was more realistic. In a 10-minute-two-Act short, Kim Jones revealed the latest collaboration with Ghanian artist Amoako Boafo. Titled ‘Portrait of an Artist’, the collection of 31 looks is a celebration of identity – a meeting point between Jones’ upbringing in Kenya and Botswana, as well as his appreciation of Boafo’s works.