JW Anderson’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection embarks on an audacious and unexpected creative journey, taking its cues from the enigmatic and provocative 1999 Stanley Kubrick film, “Eyes Wide Shut.” Collaborating closely with artist Christine Kubrick, the widow of the iconic filmmaker, Jonathan Anderson set out to bring the film’s unforgettable moments to life through the intricate medium of woven garments.

Jonathan Anderson, the visionary designer behind JW Anderson, candidly confessed, “I had never considered a film as a starting point before,” as he reflected on the creative process. His journey began in July when he revisited Kubrick’s cinematic masterpiece to draw inspiration. He noted, “I was captivated by Christine Kubrick and how she illustrated most of the artwork within her husband’s films.” In late summer, Anderson reached out to Christine, who is now 91 years old and resides in Hertfordshire, where she once lived with her late husband. He approached her with the idea of collaborating on his upcoming fashion collection.

The immediate result of their collaboration was a trio of meticulously crafted knitted dresses adorned with Christine’s feminine and evocative imagery. Other knitwear pieces in the collection featured scenes of potted plants, intricate car windshields, and even Polly, her beloved pet cat that she and Stanley lovingly cared for together. Anderson shared, “There’s something intriguing about the idea of bringing something to the forefront that ultimately didn’t want to be there.” It was a poignant tribute to Christine’s silent yet profound contribution to the world of cinema.

While “Eyes Wide Shut” is known for its mysterious and seductive themes, it is set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, complete with vibrant red poinsettias scattered throughout its scenes. Anderson ingeniously incorporated this festive touch into his collection, noting that these “extremely creepy” holiday favorites often take root on knitted garments. “They look like some kind of poisonous plant,” he remarked. “I liked that idea.”

The collection itself was a visual spectacle. Female models graced the runway in form-fitting outer pants layered over delicate underwear, while their male counterparts exuded elegance in impeccably tailored garments, often eschewing trousers altogether. Anderson explained, “Skin-tight pants provide an incredible second-skin feeling, and they can create wrinkles. To me, that had to be a part of the lifestyle.”

The collection pushed the boundaries of traditional proportions. Oversized styles dominated both the knitted pieces and the tight pants, with asymmetrical hems that extended out like grand architectural structures. Wool coats featured exaggerated shoulders, and oversized knitted sweaters defied conventional symmetry. Shirts boasted oversized sleeves, and long pants were designed to be generously wide. Even footwear underwent a transformation, with high-heeled shoes adorned with extravagant ruffles and flat-soled shoes featuring oversized ruffle embellishments.

JW Anderson’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection emerged as a captivating fusion of cinematic artistry and avant-garde fashion, paying homage to a classic film while boldly venturing into uncharted territory in the world of style. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the ability to unearth inspiration in the most unexpected places. This daring fashion journey not only honors the cinematic legacy of “Eyes Wide Shut” but also challenges conventions and invites fashion enthusiasts to embark on an imaginative voyage of their own.