J.W. Anderson

In just a few years, bold and subversive designer Jonathan Anderson has made his name as one of the most respected fashion designers of his generation. Having started out in menswear, the Irishman quickly turned his attention to somewhat more feminine looks, then accessories, setting his sights firmly on kitting out all the cool kids. Following in the footsteps of the most iconic British designers, such as Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes, his blurred masculine/feminine style leaves us torn between an impression of avant-garde and disconcerting simplicity. With touches of originality carefully placed on the label's sweatshirts and jeans, he has gained himself a reputation as something of a fashion genius. Admired for his unusual sense of aesthetics and his ability to play with (de)construction, he takes great pleasure in provoking amusement and creating surprise through his designs. He seems to enjoy messing with us, in fact, offering highly literal interpretations of his sources of inspiration, with his typical British sense of humour. When jewellery is his influence, he attaches great big chunky chains to moccasins or creates heels in the shape of a giant golden link. When it's coloured elastic bands that catch his eye, he applies them almost as they are onto shoes. The strength of J.W. Anderson is that everything around him is a source of inspiration, as shown by his most iconic bag: the Cap bag, which takes the shape of... you've guessed it... a cap. More recent but no less impressive, The Bumper bag - with its soft appearance and sensual curves - stands out through its surprising colour combinations. More original and bombastic than the bags to which we've been accustomed, The Bumper has made it its mission to take over our looks. Worn in its classic version, a half-moon, or adorned with synthetic fur, it has positioned itself on the arms of the most stylish fashionistas, and taken superstar Charli XCX as its muse. Ready to stand out?