Top image: Backstage at J.W.Anderson FW17. Photography Ben Parks

Jonathan Anderson will show his SS18 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence this June, taking the spotlight previously held by Raf Simons and Juun.J.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to show at Pitti Uomo,” reflected Anderson in a statement. “Florence’s aesthetic is beautiful, which will lend itself to be the perfect backdrop for the collection.”

The men’s trade fair regularly invites a special guest to headline, as well as a guest designer (like Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, who showed his collection at Pitti for SS17). For Pitti Uomo’s 92nd turn, Anderson will stage his men’s ready-to-wear show on day two – Wednesday 14th June.

“We have been keeping a careful eye on Jonathan Anderson’s career for several seasons,” said Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine Director of Communications and Events. “Above all, we are drawn to the creativity and eclecticism he expresses in his collections that are further enhanced by high-quality manufacturing and – in menswear – by undisputable sartorial skill. The way he reinterprets elements from the contemporary art scene and from the youth culture, alternating emotional impact (such as out-of-scale volumes) and transgression that are projected towards anticipating the future leaving little room for nostalgia, is very interesting. And his shows are always surprising, with great communicative strength.”

Since launching his line J.W.Anderson in 2008, the Northern Ireland- hailing designer has drawn attention for his gender-blurring, art-fuelled designs. He launched womenswear in 2010 and become the first ever designer to take home both the British Fashion Awards Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year awards in 2015. Currently, Anderson designs his own line as well as serving as creative director of Madrid-based luxury brand Loewe.

Pitti Immagine Uomo 92 takes place in Florence, Italy from June 14th–17th