By Sirena Kuo
Kim Jones is stepping down from his role as artistic director of womenswear and couture at Fendi to focus fully on Dior menswear, where he remains at the creative helm. The announcement, made jointly by Jones and Fendi, signals a significant shift for the designer who joined Fendi in 2020, taking on the challenge of leading the Roman brand’s creative direction following Karl Lagerfeld‘s long tenure and the aftermath of the pandemic.
During his time at Fendi, Jones injected a mix of Roman elegance and street culture into the collections, drawing inspiration from the brand’s legacy while also introducing collaborations with artists like Kaws and Hylton Nel. Known for his blend of luxurious tailoring with streetwear elements, Jones has built a reputation as a leading figure in men’s fashion, from his previous roles at Louis Vuitton and Dunhill to joining Dior in 2018.
As the industry faces a wave of designer changes amid evolving creative strategies, LVMH has yet to announce the new creative configuration for Fendi, promising details “in due time.” Meanwhile, Jones’ decision to focus solely on Dior comes as LVMH makes broader shifts, including the recent exits of Hedi Slimane from Celine and Sarah Burton’s appointment at Givenchy.
