Jonathan Anderson appointed creative director of Dior Men

Dior names Jonathan Anderson as creative force behind men’s fashion line amid luxury market shifts.

Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson walks the runway during the JW Anderson Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2025 show at Milan Men’s Fashion Week on June 16, 2024, in Milan, Italy. Photo by Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Paris, France — In a major shakeup for one of fashion’s most iconic labels, Jonathan Anderson was appointed creative director of Dior Men, the French luxury house announced on Thursday. The decision marks a new direction for the men’s division of Christian Dior, just as the luxury fashion world faces mounting economic pressures and shifting consumer tastes.

The Jonathan Anderson appointed creative director of Dior Men news was confirmed by Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, during a shareholders meeting in Paris. With Anderson’s signature flair and proven track record, the appointment is expected to reshape Dior’s menswear identity at a time when innovation and adaptability are more crucial than ever.

“I can tell you that the next Christian Dior men's fashion show, which will take place in June, will be created by Jonathan Anderson,” Arnault revealed, setting the stage for a new chapter in the brand’s history.

A transformative talent steps in

Anderson, 40, is no stranger to the spotlight. The Northern Irish designer stepped down from his position at Loewe last month, ending a decade-long tenure during which he transformed the sleepy Spanish label into one of fashion’s hottest names. Known for his modern reinterpretations of heritage design and strong artistic vision, Anderson’s impact at Loewe was both commercially and creatively profound.

At Loewe, Anderson introduced the iconic Puzzle bag, collaborated with artists and creatives across mediums, and styled A-listers like Rihanna and Beyoncé — all while maintaining his distinct voice. His dual role running his own brand, JW Anderson, alongside Loewe helped cement his reputation as one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Filling big shoes at Dior Men

Anderson will succeed Kim Jones, the British designer who left Dior Men earlier this year after a seven-year run. Jones brought streetwear sensibility to Dior’s traditionally elegant menswear, blending heritage tailoring with contemporary aesthetics that resonated with younger audiences.

Jones’ success was seen not only in fashion reviews but also in revenue growth, thanks to collaborations with names like Nike and artist Daniel Arsham. His departure left a noticeable gap in Dior’s creative vision — one Anderson is now set to fill.

But Anderson’s takeover comes at a time of heightened volatility in the luxury market. A global trade war, sluggish growth in China, and growing economic uncertainties have tempered consumer enthusiasm for high-end goods. For Dior, bringing in a visionary designer is a calculated move to remain ahead of the curve.

Behind the move: Strategic timing and legacy

The Jonathan Anderson appointed creative director of Dior Men development fits into a wider reshuffling of leadership across major luxury brands. Labels like Gucci, Givenchy, Celine, Chanel, and Tom Ford have all recently seen transitions or are currently searching for new creative leads. This musical-chairs moment underscores the fashion industry's need for constant reinvention in response to evolving market demands.

For LVMH, which owns both Dior and Loewe, Anderson’s appointment is more than a creative decision — it’s strategic. Dior’s clothing and leather goods divisions are central to the group’s financial future and family legacy. Arnault recently appointed his daughter, Delphine Arnault, to oversee Dior Couture in early 2023, reinforcing the importance of the house within the conglomerate’s ecosystem.

Anderson’s appointment to Dior Men aligns with LVMH’s long-term vision of maintaining family stewardship while injecting its brands with fresh talent capable of navigating modern challenges.

A designer known for low-key charisma

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Anderson is known for his reserved demeanor. Often seen in casual wear after fashion shows, he lets his work speak for itself. Despite his low profile, Anderson's industry impact has been anything but quiet.

He studied at the London College of Fashion before launching JW Anderson in 2008. Early on, his work caught the attention of influential figures, eventually leading to his role at Loewe under LVMH. His creative voice blends art, literature, and craftsmanship — a mix that’s helped redefine luxury for the Instagram age without losing depth or artistry.

With Dior Men, Anderson will now have one of fashion’s most prestigious platforms to elevate his vision on a global stage.

The road ahead for Dior and Anderson

The fashion industry will be watching closely as Anderson prepares for his first show in June. Dior’s runway presentations are major cultural events, often combining couture-level precision with thematic storytelling and artistic collaborations. Anderson’s approach will likely bring a new twist to this tradition, merging his architectural silhouettes and fluid aesthetics with Dior’s masculine codes.

The Jonathan Anderson appointed creative director of Dior Men decision also signals that LVMH is committed to a strategy of long-term reinvention rather than resting on past successes. With Anderson at the helm, Dior Men may shift toward more experimental and refined territory — perhaps even reshaping menswear trends across the industry.

Market uncertainty looms over the luxury sector

Still, Anderson’s entry into Dior comes amid difficult times for the luxury world. The once-booming demand from China, which fueled much of the industry's post-pandemic recovery, has begun to soften. Add to that the complications of a widening trade war and broader global inflation, and it becomes clear that Anderson’s role isn’t only about aesthetics — it’s also about steering Dior Men through economic headwinds.

His track record suggests he's up to the challenge. At Loewe, Anderson thrived during turbulent moments, using slow luxury and timeless craftsmanship as counterweights to fast-fashion trends and economic uncertainty. Dior Men may now be poised to benefit from a similar philosophy.

A reshaped fashion landscape

As the luxury world navigates its next chapter, creative leadership becomes a critical factor in defining brand relevance and growth. Anderson’s appointment is more than just a new name on the Dior masthead — it’s a signal that the fashion house intends to stay at the forefront of menswear innovation, even as conditions become more difficult.

With the Jonathan Anderson appointed creative director of Dior Men announcement, Dior takes a bold step into the future. Whether Anderson can bring the same spark to Dior Men that he brought to Loewe remains to be seen — but the fashion world is ready to find out.

His first Dior Men show in June will be a defining moment, not just for the brand, but for Anderson himself. As one of the industry’s most closely watched appointments in years, it will set the tone for what Dior Men stands for in a rapidly evolving world of luxury fashion.