Maximal Baroque–After a somber fall/winter 2013 collection of militaristic style references, Dior Homme creative director Kris Van Assche wanted a lighter course of action for spring/summer 2014. Blurring the lines between formal and casual, Van Assche “wanted to explore the almost contradictory idea of ‘minimal baroque’…” The Belgian designer elaborates, “I wanted an idea of rigour, yet without so many restrictions attached to it. I wanted a lot of contrast and choice; different propositions in colour and silhouette, something more unconventional and individual at times. Something still rigorous, yet light and fun – choice, chance and lightness.” Taking the level of contrasts to heart, the collection’s core pieces included lean-cut suiting shorts. Paired with sharp blazers, often sleeveless, tailored shorts mix business and play. Meanwhile, varying blocks of color in Van Assche’s customary blue address the baroque theme, taking a relatively upbeat path for the man of Dior Homme.
