Jonathan Anderson Departs Loewe After 11 Transformative Years: What's Next?

Jonathan Anderson, the celebrated Northern Irish designer, has officially stepped down as Creative Director of Loewe after 11 years of ground-breaking leadership. Under his tenure, the Spanish luxury house evolved from a niche leather goods brand into one of the most forward-thinking and culturally relevant fashion houses of the modern era.

A Legacy of Reinvention and Cultural Impact

When Anderson took the reins at Loewe in 2013, the brand was largely known for its heritage craftsmanship in leather. However, Anderson introduced a modern, conceptual vision that positioned Loewe at the forefront of the luxury fashion conversation. His gender-fluid designs, collaborations with contemporary artists, and ability to blend heritage with avant-garde aesthetics helped define the house's identity in the 21st century.

Notably, Loewe became a must-watch brand at Paris Fashion Week, producing viral moments such as Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance attire and Ariana Grande’s breathtaking gown at the 2024 Met Gala. Anderson's ability to fuse surrealism, sculpture, and fashion made his collections instant hits both commercially and critically.

What’s Next for Anderson? A Move to Dior?

While Anderson has not yet confirmed his next move, speculation is rife that he will join Dior. Women's Wear Daily has suggested that his transition to Christian Dior is an "open secret," especially given that Kim Jones recently stepped down as the Artistic Director of Dior Men. This has fueled rumors that Anderson could oversee both men’s and women’s collections, a move that would signal a bold shift for the historic French house.

If Anderson does move to Dior, the transition makes strategic sense—his ability to merge heritage with modernity aligns perfectly with Dior’s aesthetic. Given his previous success at LVMH-owned Loewe, an internal promotion within the conglomerate seems highly plausible.

Who Will Take Over at Loewe?

The biggest question now is: Who will fill Anderson’s shoes at Loewe? Given the brand’s new identity under Anderson, the next Creative Director will need to balance continuity and evolution. Potential candidates include:

1. Matthieu Blazy (Bottega Veneta) – Known for his textural innovations and luxury craftsmanship, Blazy could bring a refined yet progressive touch to Loewe.
2. Nicolas Di Felice (Courrèges) – A master of minimalism with a futuristic edge, he could build on Loewe’s modernist aesthetic.
3. Peter Do – His architectural approach to fashion and expertise in both menswear and womenswear could make him an intriguing fit.
4. Felipe Oliveira Baptista – Formerly of Kenzo, his experience with bold artistic collaborations could align well with Loewe’s creative DNA.

Whoever takes over will need to preserve Loewe’s artisanal heritage while maintaining the boundary-pushing design language Anderson established.

Final Thoughts

Jonathan Anderson leaves Loewe at the height of his success, and his next move—whether it be Dior or another major house—will likely solidify his status as one of the most influential designers of this generation. As the industry continues its rapid reshuffling, all eyes will be on Loewe to see who steps into the creative helm next.