As Dior’s New Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson Is Set To Usher In A New Era

Thanks to Jonathan Anderson, Dior is on the brink of a major transformation. The Northern Irish designer is now confirmed as the new creative director of the brand’s women’s, men’s and couture collections — marking the first time in Dior’s history that one designer has helmed all three divisions.

The news confirms months of speculation that Anderson was due to step into this landmark role. Last month, Bernard Arnault, CEO of Dior-owner LVMH, teased at a shareholders’ meeting that Anderson has already started designing Dior’s menswear line following menswear creative director Kim Jones’ departure in January. Last week, Maria Grazia Chiuri stepped down as creative director of womenswear.

He will make his Dior menswear debut during Paris Fashion Week Men's later this month, while his first women’s ready-to-wear collection will be presented during Paris Fashion Week in October. For Anderson, his new role will mark his debut into the world of couture.

'It is a great honour to join the House of Dior as Creative Director of both women’s and men’s collections. I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy. I look forward to working alongside its legendary Ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story,' Anderson said in a statement.

Anderson is one of the leading talents of his generation, best known for his transformation of Loewe. He joined the house in 2013, then an up-and-coming designer taking over the reins of a small, somewhat under-the-radar Spanish leather goods label. Under his direction, however, the label grew into one of fashion’s hottest brands, with Anderson fusing its rich heritage of leather craftsmanship with playful wit and desirability to propel it to become a mega-label in the making, totting up about $2 billion (roughly £1.6 billion) in sales annually, according to the New York Times. His creations were also the red carpet go-to for Hollywood It girls like Greta Lee and Ayo Edebiri.

Greta Lee wearing Loewe by Jonathan Anderson

'I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Anderson to lead the women’s and men’s creations of the house,' Delphine Arnault, Dior's chairman and CEO, said in a statement. 'I am convinced that he will bring a creative and modern vision to our House, inspired by the fabulous story of Monsieur Dior and the codes he created.'

'His incomparable artistic signature will be a crucial asset in writing the next chapter of the history of the House of Dior,' added Bernard Arnault.

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Tamison O'Connor

Fashion Features Director