In exciting news for luxury fashion, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson today unveiled his hotly anticipated debut collection as Dior's men's and women's creative director in Paris — turning the page to a fascinating new chapter for the French house.
The announcement of Anderson’s appointment earlier this year sent shockwaves through the industry. Known for his conceptual androgynous designs at his eponymous label JW Anderson, as well as Spanish house of Loewe, the designer’s first outing at Dior saw him double down on timeless preppy codes.
The build-up was typically Anderson with cryptic Instagram teasers, including portraits of Basquiat, "Dracula Dior" bags, and a short film starring French footballer Kylian Mbappé.
Today, the anticipation culminated at Dior’s show venue in Paris, where a star-studded front row filed in. Leading arrivals were actors Robert Pattinson, dapper in beige chinos, blue shirt and tie, and Daniel Craig, who channelled an off-duty teacher in dark denim, a wool blazer and Dad-style New Balance trainers.
Pharrell Williams — creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear and a fellow LVMH star — made a supportive appearance in a Vuitton blue sweatshirt and shorts, while fellow designer Donatella Versace also attended to get a first glimpse at the 79-year-old maison’s new look.
Tennis legend Roger Federer and his wife Mirka opted for sleek monochromes, while pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter surprised fans with her understated, demure take on Dior’s Bar suit, reinterpreted in grey with a modern edge.
South Korean rapper and singer Mingyu was in attendance, as was Challengers star Josh O’Connor and the director Luca Guadagnino. Anderson has a rich working history with Guadagnino, having designed the costumes in Bones & All, Challengers and Queer.
As Paris Fashion Week rumbles on, all eyes will remain firmly fixed on Anderson — and what this bold new era for Dior might bring. Other highlights count Jacquemus, Kenzo and Hermès before it’s couture time. Starting July 7, everyone fashion literate should keep an eye out for Demna’s final collection for Balenciaga, before he takes the reins at Gucci, as well as have an opinion on Glenn Martens’ debut at Maison Margiela, where he fills outgoing head John Galliano’s rather large Tabi boots.
