It may seem unconventional, but a patchwork cardigan worn by recording artist Harry Styles is set to be added to the Victoria & Albert Museum’s esteemed fashion collection.
The JW Anderson knit ignited a social media sensation after Styles donned it during rehearsals on NBC’s Today show earlier this year. During the lockdown phase, fans created their own renditions of the colorful garment, showcasing their creativity on TikTok under the hashtag #harrystylescardigan, which has since accumulated an impressive 40.1 million views. Consequently, the founder and creative director of JW Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, decided to release the pattern and tutorial for making the cardigan.
The V&A emphasizes that Harry Styles’ gender-neutral, playful, and experimental approach to fashion significantly shapes his identity as an artist. His flamboyant style challenges conventional boundaries, solidifying his status as one of the most impactful style icons of his generation. This cardigan is an emblem of how Styles’ fashion choices resonated widespread creativity and community solidarity during trying times.
“It’s fantastic to add this design to our collection, reflecting his innovative design approach while documenting this moment in time,” explains the London museum. “Furthermore, the cardigan highlights Jonathan Anderson’s distinctive take on knitwear and his advocacy for craftsmanship. By providing the cardigan’s pattern on his website, he has motivated many to explore the joy of creating their own garments.”
Jonathan Anderson expresses his admiration for the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the cardigan, stating, “I am impressed and incredibly humbled by the entire phenomenon. Donating the cardigan to the V&A feels like the right move to celebrate everyone’s incredible creativity and craftsmanship, particularly in this challenging historical period.”
