A Curiosity Room Of One’s Own: Step Inside JW Anderson Spring Summer 2027

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

JW Anderson has forever been rooted in the playful and the handmade. Their most recent release is no anomaly in the brand’s highbrow yet dry dossier and, as usual, at the very heart of the latest collection is Jonathan Anderson's abiding fascination with curation as a creative act. Shaped by an appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship and community, it’s a pure counterpart to the designer's belief that creativity flourishes through collaboration and inventive exchange. The accompanying lookbook brings together a cast drawn from Anderson's own cultural ambit, featuring artists, makers, writers, and collectors whose practices embody a true dedication to craft. Among those appearing are renowned art collector Ivor Braka, acclaimed ceramic artist Akiko Hirai, actor and model Dree Hemingway, and historian and broadcaster Dr James Fox. Captured by photographer Heikki Kaski, the portraits reinforce the collection's celebration of visionary lives lived far across disciplines - and no, the turbulent backdrops have certainly not gone amiss.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

Throughout the collection, Anderson continues to ease the apprehension between refinement and imperfection. Eveningwear appears gingerly interrupted, altered by a gesture of a much more spontaneous nature; fluid draping has been gathered and pinched, creating silhouettes that feel incredibly natural. Japanese denim pieces also carry the appearance of garments lovingly repaired and re-worn over time, while slouching camisoles and relaxed tailoring evoke an effortless sense of wearability. Utility, as is always key with Anderson,  remains central; it’s expressed through boxy outerwear and practical shapes designed to be paired with the everyday. Many of JW Anderson's signature silhouettes return in reimagined forms, including the  fold-over trouser and the house's distinctive twist jeans, which have been revisited through new fabric treatments and exaggerated proportions. Texture also plays a defining role throughout - rich Donegal wool is transformed into deep green knitwear embroidered with wildflowers and fern motifs, drawing inspiration from the natural world that informs much of the collection's palette and Anderson’s passion for gardening.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

Humour has been folded into the mix; the  designer's characteristic interplay between function and fairytale is always  particularly evident in the accessories line, and this season shows absolutely no exception. The Squirrel Clutch, complete with accompanying crocheted acorns, is the latest addition to the family tree of animal clutch bags, the patriarch of which was the viral Pidgeon Clutch of 2022.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

Colour is drawn directly from the landscape, with earthy neutrals and mossy greens punctuated by vivid bursts of colour. A striking orange hare motif appears across knitwear, while other pieces reference rural traditions and folk craft. The House Knit takes inspiration from the architecture of traditional Irish cottages, while the Squirrel Knit aims to lend from historic knitting patterns associated with the Scottish town of Sanquhar.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

Elsewhere, a collaboration with Scottish textile specialist Johnstons of Elgin results in a dramatic statement coat and scarf rendered in vibrant shades of red and blue. Workwear influences continue to shape the collection's accessories offering. New bag silhouettes, including duffels, hobos and pouches, feature oversized functional pockets that wrap around the body of the bag. Striped colour combinations inspired by classic rugby jerseys introduce shades of pale pink, green and blue.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

Recently, the brand has been extended far beyond fashion, becoming a wonderful assemblage of features from Anderson’s own headspace. The collection's home and garden offering is perhaps the greatest show of prowess; handcrafted Mackintosh stools sit alongside cushions created from vintage linens naturally dyed and repurposed for contemporary use, while wedgwood has produced a series of mugs inspired by ancient Etruscan ceramics. It would go amiss not to allude to Anderson’s own Norther Irish heritage, and these  emerge through linen tea towels embroidered with lively declarations such as "WOW", "FAB" and "CHIC". And they are very WOW, FAB, and CHIC!

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

A very special addition indeed  is a bespoke sleigh bell produced by the historic John Taylor Bell Foundry. Created using an archival mould, it marks the first sleigh bell the foundry has manufactured in more than a century. The seasonal selection is further enriched through a collaboration with basket maker Eddie Glew, who has created handcrafted willow-and-leather hampers, while celebrated artist Cerith Wyn Evans contributes a series of wind chimes. Completing the offering are JW Anderson x Sunbeam Jackie parasols, crafted from carefully sourced vintage fabrics.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.

While JW Anderson tends to hit the mark in terms of curiosity and craftsmanship, this collection is incredibly well put-together and sourced. It’s a truly multifaceted line presenting it’s own little world built on craftsmanship, curiosity, and a genuine cultural interest. Even down to the finest of presentation details - the backdrops are simply exquisite - clothing and objects are treated fairly. and collaborations are united by a shared appreciation just for the sake of making. It’s also always a treat to see inside the creative process, and I think JW Anderson is as Anderson says - a look into his own intrigues that bleed beautifully into his work and the outside world.

Image courtesy of JW Anderson.