JW Anderson’s Dior Debut
Jonathan Anderson made his much-anticipated debut as creative director for Dior at Paris Fashion Week 2025. The entire fashion industry has been on the edge of their seats to see how the British designer would blend his personal innovation with the house’s rich legacy. The result was a show that honored Dior’s past while offering a glimpse into its future under Anderson.
The show took place at the Musée Rodin, a familiar venue for Dior shows. Paris’ dedicated museum holds historical charm for many luxury debuts. The set featured classical white walls and soft lighting casting light blue, allowing the clothes to take center stage. Among the notable guests were Ethel Cain, Mingyu, and Sabrina Carpenter dressed and styled in Dior. Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, and Timothée Chalamet, were all seated front row. A soundtrack of classical strings intertwined with ambient electronica echoed through the space, giving the show a dreamy, sleek atmosphere.
Anderson presented a collection that explored structured precision intertwined with his signature, whimsical details. There were sharply tailored jackets, flowing skirts, sculptural sleeves, and experimental silhouettes. He mixed traditional fabrics like wool and silk with more unexpected materials such as vinyl and mesh. Contrasting sweater sleeves, half cuffed Dior denim, and sneakers paired with blazers, the Anderson introduction was seen. The color palette was mostly soft neutrals, punctuated by moments of bold red, navy, and light purple. What was most notable was the storytelling— enhanced by ties fit in brilliant ways. Intellectually styled by Benjamin Bruno, the collection felt classically unfamiliar.
His tailoring clearly nodded to Christian Dior’s original “New Look” from 1947, especially with the cinched waists and full skirts. The Bar jacket—one of Dior’s signature pieces—was reimagined in exaggerated proportions and deconstructed layers, showing Anderson’s respect for the brand’s foundation while bringing in his own twist. Known for his conceptual designs at Loewe and his namesake label, Anderson brought a subtle sense of wit and creativity to the collection.
In the end, the show felt like a careful introduction—one that respected the elegance of Dior while offering a window into Anderson’s inventive world. It was a beginning full of promise, balance, and thoughtful evolution for the towering luxury house that he now holds in his hands.