Jonathan Anderson is a Northern Irish fashion designer from County Derry, who began his career in fashion working at Brown Thomas in Dublin and later moved to London to study Menswear Design at the London College of Fashion. Just three years after graduating, Anderson launched his own label, JW Anderson – earning international recognition for his innovative and gender-fluid approach to design.
Anderson spent more than a decade as the creative director for the Spanish Luxury fashion house - Loewe. In 2025 Jonathan Anderson made history by becoming the Creative Director of Dior – the first designer since Christian Dior himself to take full creative control and to oversee all three divisions of the iconic French fashion house.
He is set to make history once again by staging a Dior fashion show in Ireland for the first time ever. Anderson has announced Dior’s Fall/Winter 2027 show will take place in Trinity College Dublin on the 4th of December 2026.
The show is set to take place in the home to the Book of Kells – the Old Library
At just 18 years old, Anderson moved to the United States hoping to pursue a career in acting. He studied at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory in Washington, D.C. and later moved to New York where he aimed to explore acting further but instead became fascinated by costume design. His story is a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight path. Exploring different interests and changing direction can often lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be!
Ireland has a rich history of fashion, craftsmanship and design. From Donegal tweed to Aran Knitwear, for years Irish fashion has combined heritage with contemporary style. Today, Ireland continues to make its mark on the global stage through designers such as Jonathan Anderson, Simone Rocha, Philip Treacy, Laura Weber and Claire Garvey. Their success highlights Ireland’s growing reputation for creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in the fashion industry. Hosting Dior’s first ever Irish runway show is another significant milestone for the country’s growing reputation as a center for creativity and design.
Jonathan Andersons journey – from aspiring actor to retail assistant, fashion student and now Creative Director of one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands – shows just how varied a career path can be. His story is proof that following your interests, embracing new opportunities and believing in your creativity can take you further than you ever imagined!
Could Fashion Be Your Future?
Fashion is much more than designing clothes. It combines creativity, business, technology, marketing and craftsmanship. Offering careers across every stage of the industry, such as:
- Fashion Designer
- Costume Designer (TV & Film)
- Costume Design Assistant (TV & Film)
- Costume Designer
- Designer/Maker - Craft
- Dressmaker
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Model
- Fashion Stylist
- Fashion Technologist
- Footwear Designer
- Visual Merchandiser/Window Dresser
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