J.W Anderson talks willpower, neon bike pants and his love for the British Library at Diet Coke launch

The event in Shoreditch was put on to reveal the much anticipated designs
We caught up with the designer to find out more about the collection
Picture: Pierre Loubaton, Courtesy of Diet Coke
Charlie Teather31 July 2015

London's fashion fans gathered at Village Underground in Shoreditch last night to celebrate the exclusive launch of the J.W.Anderson x Diet Coke collection as the new designs were revealed for the first time.

Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of his eponymous label as well as luxury Spanish fashion house Loewe, presented his designs to a guestlist of 200 people.

Saturdays singer, Vanessa White, model and fashion blogger Bip Ling and Made in Chelsea sisters Lucy and Tiffany Watson all attended the event, which saw the venue transformed with striking red, white and silver features adorning the venue and a spectacular chandelier formed entirely from the limited-edition Diet Coke bottles.

JW Anderson x Diet Coke - Launch party

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We caught up with the designer to find out more about the collection.

ES: How did this Diet Coke collaboration come about?

JWA: In my work, I love to collaborate so when Diet Coke approached me, I felt incredibly excited because it's such an iconic brand. I'm constantly looking for new challenges and Diet Coke enabled me to raise the bar and bring a different approach to the design of a bottle.

I was inspired by the Vesuvio graphic in my 2015 autumn/winter collection and thought it would be cool if we could make this knitwear design come to life on the bottle through photography.

ES: The collection forms part of the 'Regret Nothing' campaign. Do you have any style regrets, either from one of your runways or within your own wardrobe?

JWA: I try to live my life free of regrets, but I do have one style regret that makes me laugh and cringe at the same timE. Mum used to dress my brother and me in bright neon bike pants and big baggy t-shirts that were so long you could barely see our bike pants.

ES: Are there any specific trends that have recently caught your eye, both in the menswear and womenswear markets?

JWA: For me, fashion should always be evolving so it remains exciting and unexpected. I always try to design fashion that is interesting and innovative and I like to break traditions and challenge people's expectations. I like the idea of a shared wardrobe, garments don't need to be defined by men and women. Trend wise, I hope to keep bringing completely new collections to the industry that will make people think and defy the norm.

ES: Where in London do you most like to visit for design inspiration?

JWA: I take inspiration from everyday life, pop culture references, and photography, whether it's professional or from photos I spot on Instagram. I am constantly inspired when I visit the British Library and British Museum.

ES: You were appointed Creative Director at luxury leather brand Loewe towards the end of 2013 and have now been entrusted by Diet Coke. How does it feel to have your designs, not only recognised, but also valued and desired by such reputable brands?

JWA: I feel very lucky to have been offered the opportunity to design for Diet Coke. Sometimes my life feels surreal but I embrace all opportunities that feel natural and always strive to push the envelope. I'm constantly innovating and learning and found the process working with Diet Coke – from the first meeting to working on the designs and finally getting the bottle on shelf – interesting and exciting.

ES: What advice would you give to budding young fashion designers keen to break into the industry?

JWA: I have always had strong willpower and ambition and I like to be challenged. I wouldn't say that I am fearless, but I certainly try to be! My advice to anyone wanting to achieve their dreams is to work hard, embrace impulsivity, take calculated risks and don’t look back.

A limited-edition collector's box set - featuring the bottles and notebook - will be available from Harvey Nichols stores and online from August 17. But for those impatient fans amongst you, there is a chance to win items from the collection on Diet Coke's social media channels from the beginning of August.

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