Jonathan Anderson makes history as Dior's new creative director

Jessica Lawrence

BBC News NI

Getty Images Jonathan Anderson and actress Cate Blanchett attended at a Vogue runway show in London in November. Anderson is wearing a grey jacket and blue sweater, Blancett has her hair up and is wearing a brown scarf and brown checked suit jacket Jonathan Anderson makes history as Dior's new creative director 51b93a60 3fa6 11f0 835b 310c7b938e84 — Jonathan Anderson and actress Cate Blanchett attended a Vogue runway show in London in November

“I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy,” he said in an Instagram post on Monday.

“I look forward to working alongside its legendary Ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story.”

Getty Images A man with light brown wearing a brown hoodie with white drawstrings and a white T-shirt underneath, looks into the camera. He has his left arm around a woman wearing her dark hair in a tight bun. She is wearing a dark top and large earrings. Jonathan Anderson makes history as Dior's new creative director ae69d540 3fb4 11f0 938e 7bd46ec5bc3d — Jonathan Anderson and singer/songwriter Charli XCX backstage after the designer’s fashion show during London Fashion Week in 2020

Anderson is to take on the womenswear collection after its artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, announced her departure after almost a decade in the job last week.

In January, British designer Kim Jones stepped down as artistic director for Dior’s menswear.

Anderson’s move to Dior is part of a major reshuffling of jobs at global fashion brands following some resignations and forced departures.

He is set to debut his first collection, Dior Men Summer 2026, during Paris Fashion Week on 27 June.

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‘Greatest talent of his generation’

Bernard Arnault, chair of luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVHM) and Dior’s parent company, described Anderson as “one of the greatest creative talents of his generation”.

“His incomparable artistic signature will be a crucial asset in writing the next chapter of the history of the House of Dior.”

Getty Images Singer Ariana Grande is on the red carpet at the Met Gala 2024 in New York. She is wearing a floor-length, white ballgown and is showing off the pleats on the bottom. She has her head turned to the side and her long, blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail. Jonathan Anderson makes history as Dior's new creative director 80e627a0 3f86 11f0 bd50 3fddfb5eed43 — Ariana Grande’s 2024 Met Gala look was designed by Anderson, who was the event’s honorary chair

Dior’s chairperson, Delphine Arnault, said she is “delighted” that Anderson’s creativity will be brought to life at the House.

“I have followed his career with great interest since he joined the LVMH group over 10 years ago,” she said in a statement.

“I am convinced he will bring a creative and modern vision to our House, inspired by the fabulous story of Monsieur Dior and the codes he created.”

Who is Jonathan Anderson?

Anderson is known for his innovative styles and gender-fluid designs, and has created some iconic and recognisable looks throughout his career.

In 2023, he crafted Rihanna’s Super Bowl half-time performance outfit, which she used to announce her pregnancy and Ariana Grande’s 2024 Met Gala gown.

Anderson trained at the London College of Fashion, before beginning his career in Prada’s marketing department.

He launched his eponymous brand JW Anderson in 2008, before being appointed as the creative director at Loewe – a Spanish leather goods brand founded in 1846 – in 2013.