In the serene setting of Calitzdorp, nestled in the Western Cape, the world of haute couture intersected with the artistry of local craftsmanship in an extraordinary collaboration. Dior, renowned for its timeless elegance and innovation, embarked on a unique venture with South African artist Hylton Nel, known for his striking ceramic works.
The collaboration brought together Dior’s sophisticated design ethos with Nel’s distinctive approach to ceramics, blending high fashion with traditional artistry. Nel’s studio, situated in Calitzdorp, benefited from the area’s dry climate, which played a crucial role in his creative process. The swift drying of clay in this environment allowed Nel to work efficiently, producing pieces that were both intricate and bold. His work was a testament to the beauty of uncorrected creativity—each piece reflected his unyielding commitment to the craft, even when faced with the challenge of an irreversible mistake.
In his studio, Nel found joy in observing the transformation of raw clay into a finished product. His fascination with the glaze colours and contrasts brought a unique depth to his work. “The thing about drawing is you can’t correct,” Nel reflected. “When you’ve made a big mess, you simply had to make other plans and carry on.” This mindset resonated deeply in his ceramics, where each piece, despite its imperfections, told a story of resilience and adaptation.
Nel’s preference for depicting animals over human figures was a deliberate choice, rooted in a longstanding tradition of using animal imagery in art. This approach allowed him to explore complex themes and emotions through a more abstract lens. “I liked to do people, but people were so in your face,” Nel explained. “So I did it in the form of a cat.” This choice not only showcased his technical skill but also aligned with his artistic vision of creating work that engaged viewers on a deeper level.
The partnership with Dior injected a fresh perspective into both worlds. Dior’s legendary craftsmanship complemented Nel’s unique style, creating a dialogue between the realms of fashion and ceramics. As Dior continued to push the boundaries of fashion, this collaboration underscored the brand’s commitment to celebrating artistry in all its forms.
For this collection, Jones said he was inspired by visits to Nel’s own art-filled homes on the outskirts of Calitzdorp in South Africa’s Western Cape. ‘He’s lived in two houses in the same town for years and years,’ says Jones. ‘[There is] this huge sky. That was what really drew me to the colour palette, the blues and the pinks when you are there at different times of the day.’
In the collection, motifs from Nel’s work, like hand-drawn dogs and birds, became pins, intarsia knits and embroidery, evoking the teeming shelves of ceramics in the artist’s home. Hats, meanwhile, were created in collaboration with Stephen Jones and Earth Age, a Cape Town-based company that hand-crocheted the beanie-style headwear, which was then finished with ceramic beads applied in Paris. ‘The homespun with the salon, the global with the local – the artisans’ skill, intent and pride in their work unites all,’ said Dior.
The designer also said the collection was ‘a celebration of work and an expression of who somebody is and what they achieve through work’, nodding to house founder Christian Dior, whose womenswear collections continue to be an inspiration to the designer.
