Northern Ireland

Co Derry designer ends Milan show by donning Ireland rugby jersey on catwalk

Jonathan Anderson donned the Ireland rugby top at the end of his show in Milan. Picture from Jonathan Anderson/Instagram
Jonathan Anderson donned the Ireland rugby top at the end of his show in Milan. Picture from Jonathan Anderson/Instagram Jonathan Anderson donned the Ireland rugby top at the end of his show in Milan. Picture from Jonathan Anderson/Instagram

A Co Derry designer has ended his fashion show in Milan by walking down the catwalk wearing an Ireland rugby jersey.

Jonathan Anderson, the world-renowned creative director of Spanish luxury house Loewe, donned the rugby top as he took a bow at the end of his Milan Fashion Week show on Sunday.

The appearance of the Magheraelt man, son of former Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Willie Anderson, in the Ireland jersey coincided with Father's Day.

It also marked the end of the unveiling of his latest menswear collection and womenswear resort collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Posting a photograph on Instragram of himself on the catwalk wearing the Ireland jersey, Anderson - known as JW Anderson - wrote: "Happy fathers day dad".

His latest collection featured a lot of knitwear, including bright wool creations, as well tailored dresses, coats and shirts.

The 38-year-old designer is a firm favourite with the rich and famous after he founded JW Anderson in 2008.

Jonathan Anderson is the son of Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Willie Anderson. Picture by INPHO/Billy Stickland
Jonathan Anderson is the son of Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Willie Anderson. Picture by INPHO/Billy Stickland Jonathan Anderson is the son of Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Willie Anderson. Picture by INPHO/Billy Stickland

His brother Thomas, who played rugby for Ulster, Ireland U20s as well as Gaelic football for The Loup in Derry, also works at the company in the legal and operations side.

Anderson, who has also been the creative director at Loewe since 2013, has won various British Fashion Awards during his career, including a double win in 2015 for men’s and women’s designer of the year.

Read More: Northern Ireland designer collaborates with Beyoncé to create stylish tour wardrobe

He has also been associated with Netflix's The Crown and two of the show’s stars - Emma Corrin and Josh O'Connor.

Anderson hit the headlines earlier this year when he helped create the outfit worn by singer Rihanna during her Super Bowl half-time performance.

Rihanna performs during the halftime show at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Picture by AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Rihanna performs during the halftime show at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Picture by AP Photo/Matt Slocum Rihanna performs during the halftime show at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Picture by AP Photo/Matt Slocum

She was dressed in a bold red ensemble jumpsuit with shining red breastplate.

He said he worked with the Barbadian star to bring her "flight-inspired" NFL Super Bowl look to life.

Anderson also said at the time that he was "so excited to have been part of this unforgettable moment".

"Rihanna is a true icon, and working with her to bring these stage looks to life feels like a wild, wonderful dream," he added.

He also created two bodysuits for global superstar Beyoncé to wear on her ongoing world tour earlier this month.