Jonathan Anderson's latest menswear collection for Dior marked a significant shift away from traditional notions of high fashion, embracing an era of "dressing versus dressing up" and the emergence of a new aristocracy. At the heart of this philosophy lies the designer's fascination with the eccentricities of his clients, rather than their social standing or wealth.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Auguste Rodin's Musée in Paris, Anderson's show was a character study of sorts, with models strutting down the catwalk adorned in sequined camisoles, skinny jeans, and snakeskin boots. Each look was paired with a synthetic wig, ranging from scruffy to bright canary yellow – a deliberate nod to the theatre of fashion itself.
Anderson has long been drawn to the work of Paul Poiret, the French designer who rejected traditional couture techniques in favor of a more liberated approach during the belle époque era. Inspired by Poiret's sense of "ease," Anderson set out to create a collection that celebrated individuality and self-expression – a punk-iness meets Poiret aesthetic.
This was not a look back at the past, but rather an exercise in experimentation, with suits cropped above the hip, bar jackets slung over bellies, and fabrics distressed for a lived-in quality. The result was a unique blend of prewar references, 60s cuts, and avant-garde influences – all stitched together by Anderson's singular design vision.
For the first solo creative director of menswear and womenswear since Dior himself, this collection marked an ambitious new chapter in his tenure. By collaging disparate elements together, Anderson aimed to create a look that was both visually striking and intellectually stimulating. And with sparkly epaulettes adorning everything from powder-blue polo shirts to floral printed trousers, it's clear that the designer is unafraid to push boundaries.
In a luxury market that has been hit by tariff threats and share price drops, this new approach could be just what Dior needs – a unique point of view and focus on quality. As Anderson himself noted, "that type of siloed thinking is no longer there" – consumers are increasingly looking to blur the lines between traditional high fashion and streetwear.
With his commercial debut looming on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether this new direction will resonate with customers. But one thing is certain: Jonathan Anderson has given Dior a bold new identity, one that celebrates eccentricity, individuality, and the freedom to experiment.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Auguste Rodin's Musée in Paris, Anderson's show was a character study of sorts, with models strutting down the catwalk adorned in sequined camisoles, skinny jeans, and snakeskin boots. Each look was paired with a synthetic wig, ranging from scruffy to bright canary yellow – a deliberate nod to the theatre of fashion itself.
Anderson has long been drawn to the work of Paul Poiret, the French designer who rejected traditional couture techniques in favor of a more liberated approach during the belle époque era. Inspired by Poiret's sense of "ease," Anderson set out to create a collection that celebrated individuality and self-expression – a punk-iness meets Poiret aesthetic.
This was not a look back at the past, but rather an exercise in experimentation, with suits cropped above the hip, bar jackets slung over bellies, and fabrics distressed for a lived-in quality. The result was a unique blend of prewar references, 60s cuts, and avant-garde influences – all stitched together by Anderson's singular design vision.
For the first solo creative director of menswear and womenswear since Dior himself, this collection marked an ambitious new chapter in his tenure. By collaging disparate elements together, Anderson aimed to create a look that was both visually striking and intellectually stimulating. And with sparkly epaulettes adorning everything from powder-blue polo shirts to floral printed trousers, it's clear that the designer is unafraid to push boundaries.
In a luxury market that has been hit by tariff threats and share price drops, this new approach could be just what Dior needs – a unique point of view and focus on quality. As Anderson himself noted, "that type of siloed thinking is no longer there" – consumers are increasingly looking to blur the lines between traditional high fashion and streetwear.
With his commercial debut looming on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether this new direction will resonate with customers. But one thing is certain: Jonathan Anderson has given Dior a bold new identity, one that celebrates eccentricity, individuality, and the freedom to experiment.