Dior Homme Creative Director Kris Van Assche‘s collections for the Maison have always been inspired by youth culture, and the Winter 18-19 collection, is no exception. With every collection, the designer pushes the boundaries a little bit more, by fusing both the formal and informal codes that define the type of menswear that we have come to recognise today.

This season, he draws inspiration from the tattoo culture of the 1990s, thus presenting us deconstructed versions of the classic Dior Homme suit, as a form of rebellion. Here, we have an oversized tattoo motif either as embroidered patches on the suits, or downsized in the form of a graphic rave all-over totem print  in forest green, and crimson, which could easily be mistaken as a brocade-esque sort of pattern. The more sculpted and tailored jackets sport slotted lapels, patch pockets, and double-breasted officer’s buttons. For a more daytime, less polished, more youthful, and dare I say, preppy vibe, turtleneck sweaters, tank tops, and trompe-loeil layering of the classic knit polo shirts were aplenty. These could either be dressed up with structured trench coats and overcoats in bonded cashmere, or dressed down with nylon parkas, duffel coats, shearling, and technical wind cheaters. The surprise element though, I’d have to say, is the high pleated trousers, because it isn’t often that we see this in menswear. Whichever you chose to opt for, whether “dressed up” or “dressed down” this is definitely Van Assche’s way of juxtaposing between youth and manhood, and thus, street cred versus sartorial tailoring. In short, this is a collection that would appeal to the young man, as well as the refined gentleman.

Now, here are some backstage photos, and if you look closely, you’d also notice the tattoo motif shaven onto the models’ heads

Images courtesy of Dior
Backstage Images: Morgan O’Donovan for Dior