Introduction to Jonathan Anderson’s New Role
Jonathan Anderson was appointed as the creative director of Dior, taking over the French fashion house after more than a decade at the head of the Loewe luxury label. The 40-year-old will lead Dior’s women’s wear, men’s wear, and couture, becoming the first sole creative director of the house since Christian Dior himself.
Background and Inspiration
Anderson expressed his inspiration from the rich history of the house, stating, "I was always inspired by the rich history of this house, its depth and empathy." He looks forward to working with the legendary studios to create the next chapter of this incredible story. Anderson completed the London College of Fashion in 2005 before starting his JW Anderson brand in 2008. In 2013, he was appointed Creative Director of Loewe, leading the LVMH-owned brand for about 11 years.
Notable Designs and Achievements
Anderson is known for creating angular designs that capture the zeitgeist. He is behind the breathtaking shimmering dress that Ariana Grande wore to the Met Gala 2024, the legendary red kettle that Rihanna rocked on stage at the Super Bowl half-time show 2023, and the colorful patchwork cardigan Harry Styles wore in 2020. He also helped bring Loewe to prominence as a major luxury player from a small Spanish brand.
Challenges Ahead
Anderson has to fill the large shoes of his predecessors, including Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was creative director of Dior Women’s Wear for nine years, and Kim Jones, who was the artistic director of Dior Men’s Wear for seven years. By taking over their respective roles, Anderson will have the task of creating 10 different collections per year. He is also expected to improve Dior’s financial position, with the maison currently worth an estimated $9 billion.
Expectations and Confidence
Bernard Arnault, chairman of the luxury giant LVMH, seems confident that Anderson is the right man for the job, describing him as "one of the greatest creative talents of his generation." Anderson’s first men’s collection for the house will debut during Paris Fashion Week in June, giving the public a glimpse of what the new creative director has in store for Dior.
About the Author
Author Bio
Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia before joining Robb Report.
