What a sensation in the fashion world: Jonathan Anderson (40) is rewriting history at Dior. The openly gay designer will become the first creative director since founder Christian Dior himself to assume full creative control of the French luxury house. Going forward, both the women’s and the men’s collections as well as haute couture will fall under his purview.
“It is a great honor to join the House of Dior as Creative Director for both the women’s and the men’s collections,” Anderson said in an Instagram post on Monday. “I have always been inspired by the rich history of this house, its depth, and its empathy.”
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Delphine Arnault, chairwoman of Dior, raves about her new hire: she called Anderson “the most talented designer of his generation.” Industry insiders have long compared him to Karl Lagerfeld. Bernard Arnault, head of the luxury group LVMH and Dior’s parent company, praised Anderson as “one of the greatest creative talents of his generation.”
From Magherafelt to Paris
The 40-year-old Jonathan Anderson, hailing from Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, has built an impressive résumé. After studying at the London College of Fashion, he began in Prada’s marketing department before founding his eponymous label JW Anderson in 2008. In 2013 he became creative director at Loewe, the Spanish leather goods house.
Anderson is the son of former Irish rugby captain Willie Anderson and has long made a name for himself as an innovator. His multicolored patchwork-knit pullover, worn by Harry Styles, went viral during the COVID-19 lockdown and was even acquired for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s fashion collection.
Stellar achievements as a calling card
His designs speak for themselves: in 2023 Anderson crafted the look Rihanna wore during the Super Bowl halftime show as she announced her pregnancy. A year later he created Ariana Grande’s breathtaking Met Gala gown. Anderson has won the Fashion Awards’ Designer of the Year award twice in a row.
Throughout his career the openly gay designer has also pushed queer-forward moments. For example, his JW Anderson label released in 2020 a capsule collection marking Tom of Finland’s 100th birthday—an unusual, provocative homage (as reported by TheColu.mn). In his private life, Jonathan Anderson is romantically linked to Catalan artist Pol Anglada.
Premiere on Paris Fashion Week
Anderson will take over the women’s collection from Maria Grazia Chiuri, who announced her departure last week after nearly a decade with Dior. Earlier, in January, British designer Kim Jones stepped down from his post as Dior’s Creative Director for menswear.
Anderson will unveil his first collection, “Dior Men Summer 2026,” on June 27 during Paris Fashion Week. His womenswear collection is slated to follow later this year. “I look forward to collaborating with the legendary ateliers to write the next chapter of this incredible story,” says the new Dior creative chief.
