By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Fashion has always been built on referencing. Designers borrow from history, art, literature, and culture to create something new from what already exists. It is why we see houses like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Alexander McQueen repeatedly revisit archives, artworks, myths, and iconic eras. Maria Grazia Chiuri worked with feminist artist Judy Chicago. Nicolas Ghesquière printed Poussin paintings on Louis Vuitton dresses. McQueen once dedicated a full show to Joan of Arc. Even Minju Kim drew from Frida Kahlo’s self-portraiture for her breakout Next in Fashion collection. Referencing is part of fashion’s language. It is how designers build continuity, communicate identity, and evolve a brand without abandoning its roots.
Minju Kim’s Frida Kahlo collection (Image taken from Net-A-Porter’s website)
This idea sits at the heart of Jonathan Anderson’s Pre-Fall 2026 menswear collection for Dior Men. As he puts it, the work is a continuation and a compounding of referencing. He brings together the house’s history, Parisian class codes, haute couture silhouettes, and small everyday details, shaping them into what he considers his second chapter at Dior.
Here are seven looks from that collection that reflect that vision.
1. Baroque Denim
An embroidered denim frock coat channels 18th-century opulence through a modern fabric. Paired with wide pale jeans and a matching embroidered jacket, the look blends couture detail with everyday ease. A beige Dior shoulder bag grounds the ornate layers.
2. Heraldic Drama
A charcoal ribbed sweater sits quietly on top, creating a stark contrast to the dramatic crimson skirt printed with an oversized medieval coat of arms. The mix of soft knit and regal heraldry turns the look into a clash of everyday comfort and old-world symbolism. Burgundy loafers finish it with polish.
3. Graphic Prep
A blue-and-grey rugby-striped tee brings a casual, youthful tone. Paired with sharp scarlet trousers and a gold medallion belt, the look becomes bold and graphic without feeling overwhelming. Tan loafers soften the palette and keep it grounded.
4. Pastoral Softness
A mint pinstripe shirt with crisp white cuffs creates a fresh, serene top half. Voluminous floral-print shorts introduce a romantic, countryside feel. Moss green loafers tie the look together in a gentle earth palette.
5. Playful Nostalgia
The Very Hungry Caterpillar sweater brings a nostalgic, childlike playfulness elevated by intricate Dior embroidery. Layered over a blue shirt and paired with beige trousers, it feels smart and whimsical at once. A structured black bag and plum loafers keep it polished.
6. Casual-Poised Layers
A muted blue zip jacket is styled with dual scarves, blending sporty French casual with bookish charm. Straight beige trousers and black loafers keep the look clean and wearable. The layered scarves add personality without overwhelming the silhouette.
7. Tailored Utility
A tailored black blazer and beige knit polo give the top half a refined, classic tone. Utility shorts disrupt the formality with a relaxed, practical edge. A large suede bag and burgundy loafers balance both worlds.
———————————————————————-
KC Concepcion is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now. The actress, singer, jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and UN ambassador is back with a fresh perspective on how to take on the new phase of her business.
Read the Stylish Magazine November-December 2025 cover story here.
Our #StylishPodcast episode featuring our September-October cover girl Jasmine Curtis-Smith is out. Watch it on Facebook and YouTube.
Stylish Magazine is “your source of self-love, style & inspiration” first introduced in June 2020. Our television series format, Stylish TV, once ranked one of the Top 50 Most Watched Multicultural Shows in the USA, can be streamed on iWantTFC and be watched on TFC (The Filipino Channel) in more than 50 countries. Watch it online here.
Style Visionary Network is a lifestyle-business online platform where #WeCreateVisionaries. Also introduced in June 2020, Style Visionary Network is also the digital home channel of media brands Stylish Magazine and Stylish TV.