Jonathan Anderson makes history as Dior's new creative director

Jonathan Anderson, a Northern Ireland-born fashion designer, has made history by becoming the creative director for both the women's and men's collections at Dior, one of the most prestigious French fashion houses. This appointment is significant because he is the first designer ever to lead both the women's and men's lines at Dior. Born in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Anderson expressed his deep respect for Dior's rich history and said he feels honored to take on this role. He shared his excitement about working with Dior's legendary ateliers to create the next chapter in the brand's story.

Anderson's journey in fashion began at the London College of Fashion, after which he worked in Prada's marketing department. He launched his own brand, JW Anderson, in 2008 and later became the creative director at Loewe, a Spanish luxury leather goods brand, in 2013. Known for his innovative and gender-fluid designs, Anderson has created iconic looks that have gained international attention. For example, he designed the dress worn by singer Ariana Grande at the 2024 Met Gala, where he also served as the honorary chair. His work has inspired viral trends, such as a cardigan worn by Harry Styles that became popular on social media during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anderson's appointment comes after recent changes at Dior, including the departure of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of the women's collection, and Kim Jones, who stepped down from the men's collection. Anderson is set to debut his first Dior Men collection in June 2025 during Paris Fashion Week. Industry leaders, including Bernard Arnault, chair of LVMH, and Delphine Arnault, chairperson of Dior, have praised Anderson's talent and vision. They believe his creativity will bring a fresh and modern perspective to Dior while honoring the brand's heritage. Anderson's success is also personal, as he is the son of former Ireland rugby captain Willie Anderson, showing that talent runs in his family.