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On a rainy day in London, a crowd gathered outside the Seymour Leisure Center, the unexpected venue for Jonathan Anderson’s JW Anderson Autumn/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection. As we were shown to our seats and walked through the empty spin studio, smelling the faint smell of a chlorine pool, I couldn’t help but wonder if Anderson was going to make us stretch during the show. . I settled into a large gymnasium, where instead of athletes there were photographers running around. Then, for the first time, the London sun peeked through the old-fashioned window, showing promising signs of what was to come.
As the music began, the audience was immediately captivated by the models’ striking white hair. The sight reminded us of our grandmothers, but the fashion was not traditional. The models wore oversized gray trench coats with exaggerated silhouettes, knitted ensembles that resembled plush pajamas, and chunky knits that looked more like body armor than classic granny attire. I was there.
Models backstage at JW Anderson AW24
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As the show progressed, I found myself fascinated by the contrasts in Anderson’s collection. His Fall/Winter 2024 Menswear in Milan Very different from his show, his Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear line featured texture and structure. Jackets decorated with pockets, skirts with tassels and pleats, and bulbous knitted dresses took center stage. One of his standout items for me was his leather jacket with an oversized collar and twisted shape. It’s form-fitting and a must-have for the gloomy British weather. Another personal favorite of his was footwear. His oversized black and brown shearling boots were a versatile staple that complemented any look.
Models backstage at JW Anderson AW24
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Unlike previous collections, this season’s bags took a more understated approach. The few pieces seen on the runway were mid-sized and made from a combination of knit, leather, and suede. Two were particularly unique and stood out. One had a leather body with a thick yellow rope handle, and his other one had a green handle. This juxtaposition of versatility and luxury was another contrast that characterized the show.