JW Anderson’s Patchwork Cardigan—Popularised By Harry Styles—To Join The Victoria &Albert Fashion Collection

Image Courtesy of JW Anderson

The V&A can now confirm that the JW Anderson patchwork knit cardigan worn by recording artist Harry Styles is joining the V&A’s fashion collection.

The cardigan sparked a TikTok trending sensation after Styles wore it to rehearsals on the US broadcaster NBC’s Today show in February this year.

During lockdown, fans of the star created their own ingenious versions and shared them on the social media platform using the hashtag #harrystylescardigan.

The hashtag has received 40.1 million views to-date and JW Anderson’s Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson, was so overwhelmed by the response to the cardigan, that he released the pattern and tutorial of how to make it online.

Harry Styles’ gender neutral, playful and experimental approach to fashion has played a huge role in developing his distinctive personality as an artist.

Often flamboyant, his style choices constantly push boundaries making him one of the most influential style icons of his generation.

A Cultural Phenomenon

The response to Styles wearing the cardigan sparked a cultural phenomenon that speaks to the power of creativity and social media in bringing people together in times of extreme adversity, even when we are locked down in our own homes.

The cardigan also reflects Jonathan Anderson’s experimental approach to knitwear within his collections and his championing of the medium of craft.

By making the pattern for the cardigan available on his website he encouraged many more people to try their hand at creating a garment for themselves.

It’s fantastic to be able to add this design to our collection of fashion and dress representing his approach to design, and documenting this moment in time.

“I am so impressed and incredibly humbled by the whole thing. It’s been incredible to see everyone knitting the cardigan on their own and with the pattern we released and to see so many people making it their own. Donating the cardigan to the V&A feels like the right next step to acknowledge everyone’s incredible creativity and craft especially during such a challenging time in history “ : Jonathan Anderson, Founder and Creative Director, JW Anderson

About JW Anderson

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson established JW Anderson in 2008.

At first an elaborate collection of accessories quickly attracted attention, enabling the fledgling label to show on-schedule during 2008’s London Fashion Week.

Its unique design aesthetic offers a modern interpretation of masculinity and femininity by creating thought-provoking silhouettes through a conscious cross-pollination between menswear and womenswear elements.

This idiosyncratic perspective, which earned the label a cult following, prompted JW Anderson to present a women’s capsule collection in 2010.

JW Anderson has evolved into an internationally renowned and award-winning brand. In the past accolades have included British Fashion Awards for ‘Emerging Talent, Ready-to-Wear’ (2012), ‘The New Establishment Award’ (2013) and 'Menswear Designer of the Year' (2014).

Athe 2015 British Fashion Awards the brand received an historic double award for ‘Menswear’ and ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’, the first time any brand has ever won both prestigious awards.

Also at the 2017 British Fashion Awards the brand received the award of 'Womenswear Designer of the Year'.