This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on February 4, 2016.

DIOR Homme makes an entrance in Malaysia with a stately boutique in Suria KLCC. Elegant architectural symmetry is underscored by tactile finishes in the form of hardwood floors, rich wall fabrics and acrylic fins on the façade. A white colour scheme dominates, with black accents and clean lines reminiscent of the sleek silhouettes iconic of Christian Dior’s menswear division. 

Minimalist interiors let the luxury goods do the talking and a signature mix of merchandise is displayed across the multi-dimensional retail space. Ready-to-wear collections, leather goods, footwear, eyewear and jewellery vie for attention, the palate of the season adorning the space with neutral hues and touches of blue and orange.

Dior Homme creative director Kris Van Assche, who took up the mantle in 2008 from predecessor Hedi Slimane, showed his spring/summer 2016 collection in Paris on a criss-crossed catwalk framed by boxed white garden roses, alluding to the purity and rich depths of the line. “I wanted a colourful collection for summer, comprising weekend and Friday wear,” says Assche. “I also wanted to work with sportswear in an unexpected way.”

Ceramicist Kristin McKirdy’s subtle use of colour inspired Assche, who injected hidden peeks of playful shades under neutral hues as well as statement pieces in bold colours — a striking bomber jacket with orange lining, for instance, as well as contemporary camouflage designs. Luxurious materials interpret every day and high street cues to create a collection that exudes a relaxed formality ideal for social scenes and solitary leisure. 

“I have always loved that men’s fashion is only an accumulated of codes; men like to affiliate with codes in order to affiliate with groups,” continues Assche. “These are weekend codes, the blazers, Argyle, knits. Camouflage has since left its military roots to become a streetwear classic, like denim. The idea of the hybrid is intrinsic to the collection. Today, people don’t want to fit into just one box. They fit into many, all at once.”

It’s a philosophy many urban men can relate to with the likes of Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Jason Bateman and Chris Rock having sporting looks from the brand, while out and about and on the red carpet. To celebrate the arrival of Dior Homme in Malaysia, a limited edition clutch numbered from 1 to 10 was released to commemorate the occasion.