Design

JW Anderson pushes boundaries in its SS25 collection

Forget conventional silhouettes and predictable palettes – this is a show that celebrates the bizarre, the playful, and the downright illogical.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson

Imagine T-shirts ballooning outwards with colorful air bags at the hem, transforming your torso into a human floatation device.  Picture neckties that rival table runners in their dramatic length and thickness. 

 

Envision hand-knitted cardigans that resemble miniature brick apartment buildings, each textured stitch meticulously rendered.  And to top it all off, a belt boasting a half-moon rack for showcasing your finest cashmere swatches – perhaps a subtle (or not-so-subtle) commentary on the consumerist nature of fashion?

JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson

These are just a few of the whimsical creations that graced the JW Anderson runway, perfectly embodying the designer’s vision of a “trippy, spaced-out” world.  As Jonathan Anderson himself described it at a press conference, the collection evokes a “Twilight Zone” melancholy, with a vast, brightly lit space adorned with hundreds of dangling lightbulbs setting the stage for a parade of outlandish proportions, playful textures, and a healthy dose of humor.

Humor and design

This show wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a manifesto for fashion as a platform for self-expression and pushing boundaries.

 

Anderson has long been a champion of defying traditional gender roles and defying the limitations of what clothing “should” be.  Remember the frilly men’s shorts that caused a stir back in 2013?  This is a designer who thrives on breaking the mold.

JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson

And his inspiration?  A recent trip to the Primavera Sound music festival in Barcelona.  Dazzled by the festivalgoers’ daring and creative outfits, Anderson saw a generation unafraid to experiment with clothing and identity. 

 

“The experimentation with clothing among younger generations is incredible,” he declared.  “It’s not just about the luxury brands anymore – it’s about personal codes, identities, and archetypes.”

JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson

Textures

While the inspiration for some pieces remains a delightful mystery with deflated satin pouches clinging to topcoats or 3D waffle-textured cardigans, the collection does offer a few grounded pieces. 

 

The Moccasin bag, directly inspired by the classic penny loafer, injects a touch of playful practicality.  And handsome leather biker jackets, denim vests, and bomber jackets with a unique curved hem add a touch of rebellious charm.

JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson
JW Anderson SS25 Collection / Photo via JW Anderson

The show also saw an unexpected collaboration with Guinness.  Elaborate pearl embroidery adorned sweaters and sweatshirts, some even featuring a cheeky smiling moon face – a playful nod to a vintage Guinness advertisement. 

 

We hope you enjoyed this article about JW Anderson. If you did, please share it with others. You might also be interested in reading our article about Kappa, or browsing other reviews in our Design section.

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Magazine