Meet Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s new creative director

French luxury goods brand Dior has named Irish designer Jonathan Anderson as its creative director. He replaced Maria Grazia Chiuri, who held the role for almost a decade. Anderson will head men’s and women’s couture and accessories collections.The chairman and CEO of Dior’s parent company, LVMH, Bernard Arnault, referred to Anderson as one of the most talented artists of his generation and stated he would use his unique and artistic approach to help shape the brand’s future.

Who is Jonathan Anderson?
Born on September 17, 1984, in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, he has lived on the island of Ibiza for the majority of his life. He is the son of Heather Buckley, a secondary school teacher, and Willie Anderson, an international rugby player. When he was in primary school, he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia.Anderson moved to New York at the age of 18 to become an actor and enrolled at the Juilliard School, but his interest shifted towards costume design. So, he moved to Dublin, where he got his job in fashion at the department store Brown Thomas.

In 2005, he moved to London and completed his graduation from the London College of Fashion. He began his career at the high-end fashion label Prada as a visual merchandiser.

In 2008, he launched his own menswear line under the name JW Anderson, and two years later, he was able to present his first runway collection at London Fashion Week.

Then in 2012, he collaborated with high-street retailer Topshop for a special collection called JW Anderson x Topshop, which included limited-edition clothing and accessories.

The collection was sold out within hours of its launch. So, they decided to come up with another collection in 2013.

In June 2013, Donatella Versace invited Anderson to succeed Christopher Kane as designer of Versace’s diffusion line, Versus, and he premiered his debut collection in New York City. The Spanish luxury brand LOEWE appointed him as its new creative director in September 2013, after LVMH acquired a minority share in his label. He became a trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2019.

In February 2023, he designed a costume for singer Rihanna’s halftime show at the Super Bowl. He also served as the costume designer for the Luca Guadagnino-directed movie Queer later that year.

In March 2025, he became the new artistic director of Dior menswear after he left LOEWE as the house’s creative director.