Kim Jones
389
Kim Jones
After studying illustration in Brighton and Camberwell, Kim Jones decided to take a dif-
ferent direction in life and applied for a master’s program in menswear at London’s Central
Saint Martins College. To his surprise, he was accepted, despite having no experience what-
soever in the world of fashion. But Kim Jones was already causing a stir and, after graduat-
ing in 2003, he presented his fi rst collection at London Fashion Week. Five years later, he
won the Menswear Designer of the Year Prize awarded by the British Fashion Council.
Coming from a fi eld other than that of fashion, and having worked as a designer and art
director for such avant garde magazines as Dazed & Confused, T: e New York Times Style
Magazine, Another Magazine, 10 Men, V Man and i-D, Kim has a very progressive vision of
fashion, one closely connected to the street. is, along with his impeccable tailoring, has
resulted in numerous collaborations as a designer with such labels Umbro (Umbro by Kim
Jones), Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and the classic Alfred Dunhill.
His Winter 2005 collection represented a perfect fusion of traditional work uniforms and
streetwear styles: a clear example of the eclectic vision for which he is famous.
Photography courtesy of Kim Jones
390
Kim Jones
Above, sketch of the vest worn by the
model in the image on the right, from
the Fall/Winter 2006–2007 collection
entitled “Pop Around the Clock”
featuring designs with a casual cut.
Sketch courtesy of Kim Jones
391
Kim Jones
Photography by Chris Moore
392
Kim Jones
- What inspires you?
I fi nd everything inspires me, mainly music, people, travel and photography. I don’t think it’s hard to get inspired!
- What is your dream as a designer?
To just be able to get on with what I do and work with the people who I love and get inspired by, whether it’s my team,
friends, photographers or models.
- What has been the most important achievement of your career?
Still being here, I guess!
- How important are trends?
I don’t really think about trends; I just do what I feel. Trends seem to be led by journalists, not designers.
- Fashion has always refl ected a certain era. What does fashion refl ect in the twenty-fi rst century?
Well, we strive to be modern and, whether that captures the time now or not, it isn’t a refl ection on the past. Look at
the past, but move forward as fast as possible!
- What book would you recommend to every fashion designer?
e one I did with Luke Smalley or Alasdair McLellan, of course!
Kim Jones
www.kimjones.com
393
Kim Jones
Photography by Chris Moore
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