Jonathan Anderson Officially Leaves Loewe: An 11-Year Legacy Ends. The Future of Loewe Uncertain
Nothing stirs up the fashion world like news of another big departure—and this time, it’s Jonathan Anderson @jonathan.anderson, the visionary behind Loewe @loewe for the past 11 years. Yes, you read that right: he’s stepping down from the Spanish luxury house, which has quietly become one of the most talked-about labels in recent years. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Anderson thanked everyone who supported his high-flying ideas, from the design studio team to the craftspeople who helped shape Loewe’s modern identity. But as we’ve seen lately (Demna leaving Balenciaga, Riccardo Tisci moving on from Burberry, etc.), it looks like creative director musical chairs may never end.
A Quick Look at Loewe and Its Star Designer
Founded in 1846, Loewe is a Spanish brand known for top-notch leather goods and a heritage that spans nearly two centuries. That’s a lot of tradition for any designer to take on, but Anderson managed to turn it into his personal playground. Before Loewe, he was already making waves with his own label, JW Anderson, beloved for gender-blurring aesthetics and surprising silhouettes.
Since joining Loewe in 2013, Anderson pushed boundaries in ways that felt both respectful and audacious. He modernized classic silhouettes, introduced an intellectual edge to the brand’s runway shows, and launched the Craft Prize, giving a platform to emerging and established artisans worldwide. Talk about forward-thinking.
Eleven Years, Countless Achievements
In his farewell Instagram post, Anderson mentioned that a brand isn’t built on a single show but on season after season of doing what’s right. Over more than a decade, he:
- Elevated Loewe’s runway presence, mixing luxe minimalism with quirky shapes.
- Cemented the Puzzle bag and Gate bag as must-have accessories.
- Pioneered collaborations with artists, foundations, and museums, forging a “cultural brand.”
- Reshaped how we view Spanish craftsmanship, shining a light on local materials and artistry.
- Founded the Craft Prize, offering a global stage for vanishing crafts and new talents.
His success shows in every store window, runway review, and social media post celebrating Loewe’s now-iconic pieces.
Another Creative Shuffle
Between Alessandro Michele’s departure from Gucci and Demna’s rumored transitions, it feels like no brand is safe from the creative director shuffle. Now Loewe joins the list of iconic fashion houses needing a new leader at the helm. The big question: Who’s going to step in? Will we see a well-known designer swoop in or a fresh face given a chance to dazzle us?
For his part, Anderson seems upbeat about the brand’s future. In his own words, “While my chapter draws to a close, Loewe’s story will continue for many years to come and I will look on with pride.” We can’t help but wonder what he’s planning next. Perhaps an even bigger role at JW Anderson? Another brand collaboration? Or something completely outside the box?
My Personal Take
Let’s be honest: Anderson’s Loewe era changed the game for Spanish luxury. Even if you’re not strolling down the streets of Madrid or Paris with a Puzzle bag, you’ve probably seen its influence on other designers. I, for one, can’t wait to see which direction Loewe heads next. Will they embrace more of that heritage-luxe vibe, or swerve into a brand-new aesthetic?
Until then, best of luck to Jonathan Anderson—eleven years is no small feat, and the Craft Prize alone would be enough to seal his legacy. If the never-ending game of musical chairs in high fashion has taught us anything, it’s that each departure often sparks a bright new era for both the designer and the house they leave behind.
We’re losing a design force at Loewe, but who knows what’s next?
