Jonathan Anderson leaves Loewe, but where's he going next?
It’s official, the news we’ve all been waiting for: Jonathan Anderson has left Loewe. But is he headed for his heyday at Dior?
The game of Creative Director musical chairs is showing no signs of stopping in 2025. Just last week, Gucci named Demna its Artistic Director. Now, after months of speculation that Irish designer Jonathan Anderson was set to ascend on storied Parisian house Dior, it has been announced that he is leaving Loewe.
Anderson, who was crowned Designer of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2023, took to Instagram today to announce: "Eleven years ago, I was given the most incredible opportunity: to write a chapter in a story that is now 179 years old... Over the last eleven years, I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people with the imagination, the skills, tenacity and resourcefulness to find a way to say ‘yes’ to all my wildly ambitious ideas."
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He continued: "Looking back, I’ve come to realise that a brand is not built on the first show, or even a first year of shows, it’s built slowly season upon season, year upon year, on what is right for a brand.
"Since day one, I envisioned creating a cultural brand. This idea relied heavily on the trust and generosity of the many artists, craftspeople, estates, foundations, museums and galleries who contributed their work. I am sincerely grateful to you all."
Loewe Puzzle Bags
Anderson, who founded his eponymous label JW Anderson in 2008, has since become a driving force in the fashion world thanks to the designer's witty and gender-blurring creations. Recently, JW Anderson teamed up with Harry Styles’ Pleasing on a collection of highly covetable apparel, accessories and nail polishes. Each piece was anchored by balloon imagery (a JW Anderson calling card) and stamped with both brands’ logos.
JW Anderson AW24
Back in September 2013, LVMH took a minority stake in JW Anderson and named Anderson as the new Creative Director for the Spanish luxury house Loewe. Anderson's collaboration with the Spanish luxury group further elevated his profile. Plus, according to Lyst, he transformed the house into the world’s most sought-after brand. These days, his puzzle bags and logo-adorned vests can't stay on shelves.
Now that the Proenza boys, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, are rumoured to be tasked with keeping the momentum up at Loewe, Anderson may be heading for stardom – taking on rival Chanel and its newly appointed Chief Matthieu Blazy – at Dior.
Anderson concluded: "They say all good things must to come to an end, but I disagree. While my own chapter draws to a close, Loewe’s story will continue for many years to come and I will look on with pride.
"Love, Jonathan."
So, the question left on everyone's minds is: Will Jonathan Anderson define a new era at Dior?
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