When it was confirmed that Jonathan Anderson, an Irish designer, was to take over the reins of Dior, the fashion world wasn’t surprised. There had been industry chatter and speculation taking place before this information was officially confirmed. Still, this confirmation sparked a sense of excitement across the industry along with curiosity. What would Dior look like through his visions?
His debut answered this exact question. Presented at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, his Spring 26 menswear collection consisted of a balance between the past and the present. As stated by WWD, he’s mentioned how “he’s keen to embrace the history of the house, including the contributions of his predecessors.” From the moment the first model stepped out onto the runway, the viewers were presented with a refined and tailored reinterpretation of the iconic Bar jacket. It was clear that Jonathan wasn’t trying to replicate designs, but rather reimagining them while adding his own twist.
This sentiment is further emphasized in his own words as he affirms to WWD that he doesn’t “want to evaporate what every single person has contributed…” signaling his respect for the legacy of Dior.