Jonathan

Jonathan
Anderson, one of the UK’s most fêted designers, has
curated a hotel in Notting
Hill. It only has one bed (king-sized and kitted out in billowy
Irish linen) and is open for just 10 days.

Collaborating with Maison Ruinart, the oldest champagne house in
the world, the Northern-Irish designer has a unique aesthetic and
predilection for craftwork that lends well to the second iteration
of Ruinart Hotel 1729.

Viewing the Ruinart Hotel 1729 as “a working space, a work in
progress”, Anderson has populated the property with a number of
objects from his own home. “I’m a big collector and I take
inspiration from things and objects.”

Founding his eponymous line, JW Anderson, in 2008, and taking
the helm as creative director at Spanish heritage label Loewe in
2013, Anderson’s designs (across both brands) are always textured
and possess an element of tension. Presenting collections that are
often juxtaposed, his inspirations are varied and diverse.

On meeting, we learned that Ibiza
– a choice summer holiday destination since Anderson was a child –
is a source of energy and ideas for the designer. With three
collections on the go and a new JW Anderson store set to open in
Soho,
on the corner of Brewer Street and Wardour Street, a bit of time on
a sunlounger is likely needed.

Where are you from and how has that shaped or inspired
you?

I’m from
Northern Ireland. Where I am from, how I was raised, the time
period, my parents; all of that had an impact on who I am. My
grandfather was a manager in a mill and I think that may have
influenced my decision to go into fashion.

What are you working on at the moment?

Three collections – at the same time. We are also opening a new
JW Anderson store in Soho in London,
which I am very excited about.

Tell us about your design process – for this particular project
and also in a fashion space.

It is the first time that I’m doing this sort of concept. In all
spaces, it is the idea of a working space, like a work in progress.
A lot of things are from my own house, things I have been
collecting. I’m a big collector and take inspiration from things
and objects. I think that influences my designs both in fashion and
for this project.

The hotel has a nostalgic feel to it…

When I was at Maison Ruinart I saw a painting that showed people
having a lot of fun; people enjoying oysters and champagne. I was
fascinated by the tableware and how etiquette has changed over the
years. People used silver spoons and fine glassware. I loved the
nostalgic undertones in people having dinner and feeling empowered
by what they were eating and what they were eating from.

What do you think makes a good hotel?

Incredible service and beautiful, simple interiors.

What are the key differences between designing a space and
designing a garment?

In my JW Anderson collections, I love to play with the idea of
volume. Designing this space for Ruinart let me take that to an
even more 3D level. Still, in a lot of ways the two are very
similar; it’s about colour and texture and how they make you
feel.

What destinations inspire your creativity?

Ibiza is a constant inspiration – ever since I was a child. I
was recently in Argentina and found it absolutely beautiful.

London hangouts during fashion week should include…

Anywhere East and quiet. I hear the new Standard Hotel is
supposed to be nice but I haven’t been yet.

Loewe-lovers visiting
Spain must visit…

Ibiza. I also spend a lot of
time in Madrid;
the Prado Museum is amazing.

What are you reading at the moment?

Instagram.

One piece of travel advice…

Have someone book it for you! I am so busy between JW Anderson
and Loewe, I don’t have time to plan my travel. I have someone tell
me where to be and when and how I will get there.

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE?

T-shirts, jeans, trainers and three phones. I like to keep it
simple – kind of.