J.W. Anderson Spring 2013

Colin Dawidziuk | June 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

We (and by that I mean I) are huge fans of Jonathan’s work. And when I received our ticket to the wonder-boy’s spring collection, needless to say my reaction would make a YouTube hit. And by hit, I mean ‘screaming so loud we broke the sound barrier’ viral. But I digress.

Anderson’s work precedes himself. Androgynous, pyjama-like, yet wholly luxurious, Jonathan’s aesthetic hasn’t changed a bit, adapting itself to the mood and inspiration of the season. Titled ‘The Age of Consent’, the spring collection was one that took everything Jonathan does best – and throws it at you, smothering it in your face, and making you love it more than ever. This time around, however, the androgyny took a back seat, and focused on the young designer’s other key techniques, like tailoring, deconstructed structural pieces, and straight, shapeless lines. With a wide color palette – bubblegum pink, red, yellow, white, black, baby blue, seafoam green and pinstriped black (yes, we realize it’s not a color, leave us alone!) – the collection was not confined by the limitations of a seasonal shift – many of the pants, being both the signature cigarette fit and a standard straight legged fit, were perfect for a year-round wear, whilst the knitted pieces acted in a similar vein.

A true highlight of the collection was the feature of the lace pieces and looks, in white, black and pale blue, which gave the collection a sense of fragility, adhering to the ‘Age of Consent’ name. Though we’re not entirely sure of the ideal of a bellbottom pant for next spring, we can understand the approach that Jonathan took. Whilst his aesthetic has, in recent seasons and collections, been on the somewhat more demure side, the flares gave an aura of mature sexuality, that said “I’m wearing flares, and I don’t give a damn.” And that is what J.W. Anderson is all about – no holds barred balls. Which is precisely why we (I) love him.