IT’S A CAT’S WORLD: Not content with ruling the internet, cats play a starring role in the latest Dior men’s campaign.
In the ads photographed by Pieter Hugo, models Malick Bodian, Louis Mercurol, Dugyeong Kim, LV Yifan and Oskar Geipel pose against pastel-colored backdrops with ceramic statues of felines.
The work of South African master potter Hylton Nel, they echo the giant sculptures that formed the backdrop of artistic director Kim Jones’ spring runway show.
Described as a melding between craftsmanship and couture, the collection was filled with references to Nel’s creations, from the naïve bird motifs rendered in silver studs on a high-collared black suit to the playful patterns and slogans on knitwear, and a blue-and white jacket covered in floral embroidery. Designed to reproduce the surface of earthenware, it required almost 2,000 hours of work.
The Dior spring 2025 men’s advertising campaign.
Pieter Hugo/Courtesy of Dior
Accessories include the Dior Normandie bag, in a new grained leather, B35 NXXT sneakers — offered in suede or raffia — and clog-inspired biker boots and derbies. The looks are topped off with ceramic brooches and sculptures shaped like a scarf collar, in addition to cloche hats designed by Stephen Jones.
Jones has been buying Nel’s work for years, and his collection numbers in the hundreds. “In my country house, I have shelves and shelves and shelves of it,” he told WWD.
The campaign was art-directed by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and styled by Melanie Ward. Peter Philips did the makeup and Benjamin Muller the hair.
The Dior spring 2025 men’s advertising campaign.
Pieter Hugo/Courtesy of Dior
