We can't say that we're surprised with this one. British fashion brand JW Anderson has launched a capsule collection that celebrates the photographic works of fellow British artistic duo Gilbert & George. If you've been following creative director Jonathan Anderson's work—both at his eponymous label and Spanish fashion house Loewe—you'd notice that the man has a fascination with the art world. Just this November, Loewe released a collection inspired by multi-hyphenate Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
For Anderson, this collaboration made sense. He says: "For me, Gilbert & George are the ultimate British Modernists and I am obsessed with their work. I really appreciate both the sense of anarchy and order in what Gilbert & George do and in this way it works perfectly with JW Anderson—it’s a marriage of British eccentricities and traditions."
The JW Anderson x Gilbert & George collection consists of both ready-to-wear as well as accessories. Taking on three of Gilbert & George's high-saturation photographs, they're translated onto some of Anderson's favourite pieces of late. A Breton striped tee is elevated with Gilbert & George's 1988 work titled 'Heavy', while a slouchy tote provided the perfect canvas for the duo's vibrant 'Dog Boy' graphic. 1980's 'Guard Plants' is printed on a canvas bag that's worn around the neck; the best way to showcase such a work of art.
The collaboration doesn't stop there. Together with regular collaborators—photographer Alasdair McLellan, stylist Benjamin Bruno and design collective M/M (Paris)—JW Anderson will also launch a publication dedicated to the collection and Gilbert & George. The latter gave access to their home and studio (judging by their work, you'd expect no less than an eclectic space of curious colours and textures), and will also make an appearance in the book. Expect the book to be released on JWAnderson.com starting 19 December 2018.
For now, the JW Anderson x Gilbert & George collection is available at MATCHESFASHION.COM, as well as 5 Carlos Place where an installation will run for two weeks. The collection will then be made available via JWAnderson.com from 10 December 2018.
