What’s fashion week without the world’s best in attendance? A fixture on the international surf circuit, the North Carolina–born athlete Mason Hyce Barnes has built his career competing at some of the world’s most demanding breaks, earning a reputation for consistency and focus both in and out of the water. With a foot now in fashion, Barnes is carving out a space that extends well beyond the lineup.
VMAN joins Barnes ahead of the show as he buttons up in Jonathan Anderson’s double denim for Dior Homme’s Winter 2026-2027 runway show, hosted at the Musée Rodin during Paris Fashion Week, and his overall sophomore men’s show for the house. Rest assured, soon after leaving Paris, he’ll be back to catching waves because when he’s not dressing up, Mason Hyce Barnes somehow manages to catch every break.
“This was the first look I tried on, and it was an immediate yes. Brought me confidence and excitement to wear throughout the day!”
“Coming to Paris always feels like a vacation! It’s the complete opposite of my day-to-day and is always the perfect escape from those long, stress-filled days of crazy waves.”
“There are not many surfers who can say they put a Dior tie on in Paris this week!!!”
“I always have a coffee in sight! One of my favorite things to do while I’m here in the city is try as many cafes as possible! This was most likely my 5th or 6th cup of the day of the show! I finished off the day with 8 total!!”
“Trying to remember how a tie works, safe to say YouTube came in handy.”
“Freshly shaven after spending weeks on the road is always the best feeling! trying my best to clean up for a setting that is so unique to me!”
“Embracing the wetsuit tan lines!!”
“Feeling recharged and ready to go do what I do!”
“Putting on ties in Paris for Dior and two days later putting on wetsuits with hopes of riding the biggest wave ever! The ultimate balance of opposites!”
“The weather was perfect, sunny, blue skies, and warm! You could not have asked for a better day for this time of the year!”
“Trying my best not to look nervous! Two days after the show, it looks like the biggest swell we have ever seen is heading to Nazare. There will be opportunities to break the world record and ride the biggest wave ever surfed! Being here has been the perfect distraction and helped keep me in a peaceful place!”
“I’m forever grateful for every time I get to come to one of Jonathan’s shows. Every experience is different and inspires me in so many ways.”
“This is truly something I could wear every day. The perfect balance of my style and comfort.”
“Every time I come to one of Jonathan’s shows, it’s one of the highlights of my year. Something I will always look forward to and an invite that I will always say yes to!”
Photography Tom Newton
Grooming Dior Beauty
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