The Tamesis
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate JW Anderson’s latest partnership with Guinness. As the brand’s creative director and founder Jonathan Anderson puts it Fashion: “This collaboration felt like an opportunity to tap into Guinness’ heritage and reinterpret it through the craft-led lens that defines JW Anderson today.”
On Monday night, brands came together for a carnival at NoLita’s The Mulberry. The pub has been carefully curated and has one of the best beers in the city, notably helmed by Guinness National Ambassador and Head of Beer Quality Ryan Wagner. “No matter what vibe you’re going for, Guinness is the easiest to order,” he points out. “Whether it’s a fancy night out or a more leisurely one, a pint is always the right way to round out your evening.”
This particular evening had a more sublime feel, with artists, editors, photographers, musicians and stylists flocking to the basement cocktail bar. Attendees walked around with custom JW Anderson x Guinness glasses in hand, grabbed pints of stout from the bar, and immediately did their best to split the G—whether it was a regular version of “the dark stuff” or a zero-proof option. Others opted for Guinness espresso martinis or black velvet cocktails, all crafted by bartenders who wore harp pins on their burgundy blazers. While the drinks flowed at the bar, Irish-style snacks swirled around the room. Mini mince pies, Irish smoked salmon toast, cheddar cheese and onion pies were all delicious.
Many attendees wore sportswear from the 17-piece capsule collection, which showcased images from across the decades. “I’ve always been fascinated by the graphic language of Guinness World Records—it’s so direct, so culturally relevant, yet so exquisite,” Anderson said. The crowd showcased its range, pairing oversized logo-printed sweaters with denim and knit-style T-shirts paired with trousers. “It was the perfect collaboration,” says stylist Harry Lambert Fashion. “It has that happy, festive feel that’s inherent to Ireland. And of course, there’s nothing better than JW Anderson knitwear.”
As the night went on, guests moved back and forth from the dance floor to the bar, making it feel more like a night out with friends at a local bar than an industry event. The volume gets louder, the temperature gets higher, and the lights dim. “It’s a great party, but that’s not always a given anymore,” laughs fashion illustrator Angelica Hicks. “I met really cool people.”
As last orders at the bar approached, the occasion was rounded off by a cheeky smoke or two under the Mulberry Café window display – taking a minute to admire the three wool sweaters on display on the models.
