Paris: Jonathan Anderson, the Northern Ireland-born designer, has been officially named the new creative director for both women’s and men’s collections at Dior, becoming the first individual in the brand’s history to lead both lines simultaneously.
The 40-year-old from Magherafelt, County Londonderry, announced the news on Instagram, calling it a ‘great honour’ and expressing his admiration for the French fashion house.
Anderson stated that, “I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy, and I look forward to working alongside its legendary Ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story.”
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Anderson was previously confirmed as Dior’s new menswear artistic director in April 2025, just one month after stepping down from his decade-long post at Loewe, the Spanish luxury brand known for its leather goods.
This new announcement confirms that he will also oversee Dior’s womenswear, following the recent departure of Maria Grazia Chiuri, who held the position for nearly 10 years.
The move comes amid a significant reshuffling across global fashion houses, with multiple resignations and reappointments. Earlier in January, British designer Kim Jones stepped down as Dior’s menswear artistic director, opening the door for Anderson’s dual role.
A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Anderson began his fashion journey in Prada’s marketing department before launching his own label, JW Anderson, in 2008. He gained recognition for his innovative and gender-fluid designs, with numerous high-profile creations to his name.
In 2023, Anderson designed Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show outfit, which she used to reveal her pregnancy, and in 2024, he created Ariana Grande’s gown for the Met Gala.
One of his standout moments came in 2020 when singer Harry Styles wore a colorful patchwork crochet cardigan designed by Anderson during a performance. The look went viral on TikTok, sparking a global DIY trend. Earlier this year, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London added the now-iconic cardigan to its fashion collection.
Anderson is also the son of former Ireland rugby captain Willie Anderson. He has won several prestigious fashion awards, including back-to-back Designer of the Year titles at the Fashion Awards in 2023 and 2024.
His dual appointment at Dior marks a pivotal moment for the luxury brand, signaling a bold creative direction as it navigates a rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
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