Beauty is a Form of Genius

Prompt No. 20: DIOR, DIOR, DIOR!, Teasers, and The New Perfect Jean

Hashtag Dior Men’s 24

I had no intention of formally covering any aspect of the menswear season of Paris Fashion Week 2024. However, considering I discuss fashion theory, this was a major lapse in planning and judgement. Masculine presentation speaks directly to sociopolitical shifts. According to sociologist Ruth P. Rubinstein, “the values of a political authority are portrayed in the basic style of male dress” — as such we can determine whether a new political authority has taken hold or if the existing authority has expanded (or contracted) values already in place. While Rick Owens, who presented a pair of giant inflatable rubber boots last week, embodies an aesthetic far from “basic style”, anyone who has a recent awareness of trend history — or has seen The Devil Wears Prada — understands the impact and influence runway has on everyday life.