An Irish native, Jonathan William Anderson has been making a splash in the British capital of late. Originally planning to pursue a career in the theatre — he studied drama in Washington, D.C. — his love for stage costumes evolved into a passion for fashion design. Known for pieces characterized by elegant cuts and simplistic style, the designer’s A/W 2011 collection, entitled “The Fear of Naturalism,” once again shows Anderson’s admiration for classic tailoring. In a departure from his past collections, he invites pastels into the primarily dark palette, a colour-fused commentary on the inspirational narrative behind his collection: we needn’t let the fantastical ideals of youth collapse into the mundane realities of adulthood.
What are your Fashion Week rituals?
Mars bars, Lucozade, bananas, and 60 Marlboro reds a day.
Where do you eat the most when you are at the studio?
Eating can be a little bit all over the place, usually just becomes repetitive: same sandwich, same drink, same chocolate — usually Tesco’s.
What is your biggest Fashion Week fear?
There is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Who do you most admire in the British fashion industry?
The team around me.
If you could have any other career what would it be?
I would own a random coffee shop, or a bookshop, or a coffee bookshop.
Who has helped you the most with your career so far?
My team.
What is your current favourite piece of fashion in your closet?
This 1920s Hawaiian shirt I found at a vintage stall. It’s amazing, it’s even in a book.
