Jonathan Anderson Eyes Dior: What’s Next for Fashion’s Maverick?

Georgina Orford

2 min read

Jonathan Anderson, the renowned Northern Irish fashion designer, has built an impressive legacy through his eponymous label JW Anderson, as well as his role as creative director at the Spanish luxury house Loewe. Rising to prominence after receiving sponsorship from the British Fashion Council’s Newton committee during his career at Prada, Anderson debuted his first catwalk collection at London Fashion Week in 2010. His subsequent development of an experimental and playful style, exhibited by the balloon shoes and pixelated hoodie in the Loewe Spring/Summer womenswear show, has earned him widespread acclaim in the fashion world.

However, speculation is mounting over Anderson’s next move, as both JW Anderson and Loewe are notably absent from the upcoming men’s fashion weeks in London, Milan, and Paris. This, coupled with the recent publication of a book commemorating his ten-year position at Loewe, has fueled rumors that Anderson may be transitioning to a new role. With Maria Grazia Chiuri’s departure from Dior, many believe that Anderson is hopeful to succeed her as the creative director of the esteemed French fashion house.

Throughout his career, Anderson has ensured both JW Anderson and Loewe maintain a secure presence in the industry. Having founded his own brand in 2007, he later assumed the role of creative director at Loewe in 2013 under LVMH, where he successfully revitalised the label’s identity. By 2019, he was creating a staggering total of 18 collections annually.

(telegraph.co.uk) JW Anderson's collaborative campaign with UNIQLO (SS25)

His achievements include being named ‘Menswear Designer of the Year’ at the British Fashion Awards in 2014, as well as being listed in Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of 2024. Anderson has also ventured into the film industry, collaborating with Luca Guadagnino on the costume design for his film Challengers (2024). More recently, he designed Rihanna’s striking red catsuit for her Super Bowl half-time performance.

At Loewe, Anderson has revolutionised the brand’s image, introducing deconstructed silhouettes, pixelated designs, and a fusion between masculinity and femininity. He reinforced Loewe’s reputation as a leather goods powerhouse by launching the viral Puzzle bag in 2014, known for its geometric and origami-inspired structure.

If Anderson does indeed take the creative reins at Dior, the fashion house could undergo a dramatic transformation. His playful yet sophisticated approach to luxury textiles, often influenced by film and art, stands in stark contrast to the refined romanticism of Dior’s current collections. However, Anderson’s track record proves he can respect a brand’s continuity while embracing modernity and edge. Should Anderson step into Dior’s creative directorship, he may introduce deconstructed couture, avant-garde silhouettes, and a fresh interpretation of surrealism.

With Anderson’s possible departure from Loewe, speculation circulates around his successor. The most anticipated candidates include Jil Sander’s design duo, Luke and Lucie Meier, or Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. As the industry awaits an official announcement, it is highly anticipated that Jonathan Anderson’s next career move will heavily influence the future direction of luxury fashion.