In a statement, Dior underlined its long ties with the U.K., dating back to its inaugural show across the Channel, held in 1947 in the presence of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. The house unveiled its 2017 women’s resort collection at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

“We are delighted to be presenting our fall men’s collection abroad once again, and to be reconnecting with the ‘physical’ runway, an experience that is more important than ever,” said Pietro Beccari, chairman and chief executive officer of Christian Dior Couture.

London is, of course, also the city closest to Kim Jones’ heart, where he was born and where he lives, which inspires him with its inexhaustible creativity and which he loves deeply,” he added. show in London on Dec. 9.

Jones, who has worked for brands including Umbro, Dunhill and Louis Vuitton, hasn’t shown a collection in the British capital since 2003. The designer counts British celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell among his close friends.