Oscar Noms and Basketball: Dior Pulls Kieran Culkin, Chris Paul to the Front Row
With the pre-game tunnel the new runway — and the NBA making its play for European fans with the San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers two-game tournament in Paris — basketball players have been hitting up the fashion week shows.
Fresh off of Thursday night’s win, Spurs player Chris Paul made the front row at menswear creative director Kim Jones‘ latest show for Dior.
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“My rookie year is sort of when the NBA put in a dress code, and since then, our game has had an opportunity to grow in fashion and everything. So I’m a firm believer in ‘look good, play good,’” he said. “I enjoy getting dressed for games because it’s work, and it’s always a lot of fun.
“The fans were amazing. We have another game tomorrow, so it’s our first time coming to men’s fashion week, so getting a chance to experience all of this and play games, it’s been really cool,” he said.
With the NBA now setting foot in Paris, it’s a new market for the American sport. “It’s been amazing. Our league is unbelievably diverse. So many European players. We got NBA Africa now involved, and so I think in order to expand our game this is really good.”
He’d adopted a relaxed look of gray trousers and a tailored Henley, without being too buttoned up. “I just wanted to be very clean and comfortable. I love my look here, but as always, my wife stole the show.”
At his side, wife Jada Crawley had a full New Look outfit, with a full skirt, cinched waist and jacket in plaid.
There were plenty of actors at the show, too, but they were all tight lipped. Former Celine ambassador Joe Alwyn attended Prada in Milan and now Dior in Paris, but he didn’t have any thoughts to share about the show. Kieran Culkin was busy accepting congratulations on his best supporting actor Oscar nomination, revealed Thursday, while Kate Moss and Gwendoline Christie exchanged stories a few seats down.
Jeremy O. Harris took the sport look in stride, wearing a corduroy tracksuit in an emerald green shade.
“I wanted to be a little comfy, something very masculine and comfortable. It felt really nice for this show,” he said of the loose fit. “It’s a cozy time in Paris right now, so I thought why not?”
The screenwriter is directing the Willamstown Theater Festival for his first season. The lineup will be announced Feb. 10. How is he making the program selection for the summer series?
“I’m looking at where the world is right now and what I feel like it’s missing. I’m trying to remind people of the necessity of experimentation when conservativism is on the rise,” he said.
He’s also planning to attend the Cannes Film Festival again this year, after premiering a film there last May.
Designer Zac Posen also made the show in a royal blue cape-style suit designed by good friend Jones. The two have been friends since Posen attended Central Saint Martins.
He flew in from New York, despite decamping to San Francisco last year for his new position as executive vice president and creative director of Gap.
He demurred on the possibility of doing a Gap fashion show, but noted that it is the middle of awards season and there is the strong chance that one of his creations might be seen there after he made a splash by elevating a cotton shirt dress on Anne Hathaway.
Thai acting duo Mile Phakphum and Apo Nattawin have become front row regulars since joining Dior as ambassadors in 2023.
They starred together in the series “KinnPorsche,” and word on the Paris streets is that there is a follow up in the works.
But they remained mum on any shooting developments. “It’s a secret, confidential, but we love Paris,” Apo said diplomatically.
In their downtime here they love to shop, they said, and the two had a peek at the collection beforehand. “This is going to play with the silhouette of the clothing. It’s superb,” Mile said.
Indeed, Jones sent out voluminous kimono-style robes and architectural capes that billowed on the pared back, minimalist runway. The show garnered over 120 million views in China across social media platforms, driven mostly by fans of Karry Wang and Jay Chou.
Launch Gallery: Celebrities Front Row at Dior Men Men's Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection
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