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Jonathan Anderson's creativity 'stood out at school'

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI
BBC A woman is smiling into the camera. Different art and a mannequin wearing a fancy dress is behind her. She has shoulder-length blond hair, wears glasses and has a blue and black dress on.BBC
Sharon McCracken, head of art at Rainey Endowed School, says Anderson's artwork "was amazing" when he was a schoolboy

People from the Northern Ireland hometown of fashion designer Jonathan Anderson have expressed their pride that he is to take on a new role at the world famous brand, Dior.

Anderson, from Magherafelt, County Londonderry, is known for his innovative styles having previously designed outfits for the likes of Rihanna and Ariana Grande.

On Monday, he announced he will be the creative director of both the women's and men's collections at the French fashion house.

Sharon McCracken, who is head of art at Anderson's old school Rainey Endowed, said the success of the world-renowned fashion designer "doesn't surprise us".

She said even as an A-level student, his work was exceptional.

"I was a trainee teacher at the time - his work was amazing, so very creative.

"So it doesn't surprise us at all that he has had the success that he has," she said.

"Even then the whole flair and creativity of his work stood out - it was just way beyond anybody of that age group."

Before his move to Dior, Anderson spent 11 years as creative director of Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe.

He stepped down from that role in March and the following month he confirmed he was to become the artistic director of Dior menswear.

Earlier this week, it was announced that he was the first designer to head both the women's and men's lines at the company.

Getty Images Anderson is at an event with crowds and cameras in the background. He's wearing a tux and a flower pin is on his shoulder.Getty Images
In 2024, Time Magazine named Jonathan Anderson as one of the 100 most influential people of the year

Inspiring the next generation

Pupils at Rainey Endowed described Anderson's journey as "very inspirational".

Heidi, who is currently studying A-level art, has already met the designer and hopes to follow in his footsteps.

"I was over in London and I met him in his shop, and then he invited me to his fashion show.

"He's lovely, he seems very humble," she said.

"I used him as my artist reference quite a lot for my schoolwork as he shows a lot of diversity in what he can do."

A girl is smiling next to a mannequin. She has long, curly, blond hair. She is wearing her school uniform.
A level art student Heidi previously met Anderson and "he seems very humble"

Famous name from Magherafelt

Fionn is also an art student at the school and admires Anderson's work.

"I really like what Jonathan is doing. I love his collections.

"It's really good having someone so famous like him coming from Magherafelt."

A teenage boy is standing next to a mannequin. He has glasses, brown hair and is wearing his school uniform. The mannequin has painted leaves on its face.
Art student Fionn is also a pupil at Rainey Endowed School

'Ladies carry Loewe handbags'

A woman is standing in a shop that sells women's clothes and bags. She has short, black hair tightly cropped to her face and is wearing a white vest covered by a mesh white top.
Glenda Wilson, manager of a boutique in Magherafelt, said Anderson is "mentioned quite a lot"

Glenda Wilson is the manager of Jude Law Boutique in Magherafelt and said Anderson's success means everything to the town.

"He's mentioned quite a lot in the boutique - mostly through Loewe. You see quite a few ladies carrying Loewe handbags," she said.

"I've a few of his sunglasses as well from his previous collection.

"Let's just see what he does with his next collection - I might have to purchase a few things."