JW Anderson drops a niche collection of teacups with Wedgwood, inspired by 5th-century Grecian ceramics and the designs of ceramicist Dame Lucie Rie
Back in July, Jonathan Anderson revealed a recalibration of his JW Anderson label – a broadening of its remit, let’s say, where the label may be attached to anything from a sweatshirt to a Charles Rennie Mackintosh stool and a banged-up set of vintage gardening shears. The idea was the beauty of the object, and its covetability. Also, scarcity – once this stuff is gone, it’s gone. Which frames the fact that the latest JW Anderson ‘drop’, to borrow fashion’s favourite parlance, is refreshingly not a T-shirt, nor even clothing at all, but a niche collection of teacups executed by Wedgewood to the design of Dame Lucie Rie, the esteemed ceramicist, who died 30 years ago. The project was originally envisaged by Rie in 1964, using Wedgwood’s blue Jasperware – the designs were deemed too intricate in technique to be manufactured, so were never produced. Until now. Appealing to pot-heads and fashion nerds alike (Rie has a fetishistically enthused fan base, much like Anderson), this limited edition also includes mugs inspired by 5th-century Grecian cups from Anderson’s own collection. It’s possibly a strange adjunct for a fashion line – yet it throws the focus onto craft, the joy of making and the timeless power of creativity. All ideas to keep in mind ahead of Anderson’s official Dior womenswear debut on October 1. Oh, and ignoring all that, they’re just really beautiful cups.
The JW Anderson x Wedgwood and JW Anderson x Wedgwood x Lucie Rie ceramic collections are available online and in select stores now.
