Net-A-Porter launches JW Anderson exclusives as JWA also opens Galeries Lafayette pop-up

It was always odds on that Jonathan Anderson’s JW Anderson label would see lots of change with the designer’s hands very full due to his responsibilities at Dior, but nobody could accuse him of neglecting JWA.

Last month saw the reopening of its Soho, London store, “marking a key milestone in its rebranding journey” and this week has seen two more key developments.

The SS26 collection has debuted (very early) on Net-A-Porter and includes eight styles completely exclusive to the e-tailer alongside the wider collection. The pre-launch is happening a month ahead of its arrival with other retailers. Some pieces have already sold out within a few hours.

We’re told the collection is a “study in novelty, craft and curation, the three cornerstones of Jonathan Anderson’s creative vocabulary”. It “champions embellishment, print and colour, presented through signature house codes and fresh interpretations”.

The pieces include silk knot dresses, whimsical knits – including the novelty ‘Pig’ Fairisle – and intricately embellished mini dresses. Exclusive accessories “expand on this playful spirit with collectible novelty charms” – including a pigeon style – and bright scarves in exclusive colourways, “designed to add fun to everyday styling”.

Net-A-Porter’s chief buying and merchandising officer Brigitte Chartrand said: “We have always loved Anderson’s ability to make fashion fun while pushing the boundaries of craft and creativity.”

Meanwhile, the label has just unveiled a dedicated pop-up space at Galeries Lafayette Paris, “marking the debut of the brand’s new visual identity”. Anderson’s label is clearly enjoying a higher profile in France given the designer’s role at Dior.

Open only until 15 October, the pop-up is the “first and only” Paris location to present JW Anderson’s refreshed brand vision and includes the Loafer bag as well as other exclusive product available for purchase on-site.

A permanent shop-in-shop on the second floor has also been totally redesigned, featuring the complete women’s collection.

Like the London store, the space has been designed by architects Sanchez Benton, “to bring to life the new JW Anderson in an ambience that is enveloping and familiar; a grammar of warm materials and colours that embodies a feeling of the handmade and beautifully crafted”.