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What's next for Jonathan Saunders?

By Don-Alvin Adegeest

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Retail

2015 has been a year of departures in the fashion industry, and the latest news of Jonathan Saunders quitting his namesake label has left many questioning 'what next?' for the Scottish-born designer.

Some have touted him as a possible successor to Raf Simons at Dior, although that seems an unlikely move and appointment. Saunders' cachet as a print designer may be largely appreciated at home, however his off-beat aesthetic never quite achieved the same success abroad.

One industry insider thought the brand lacked a point of view and labeled Saunders' menswear a difficult sell. The staple of printed dresses in his more successful womenswear line didn't radically change in any given season, and despite its appeal, it takes more than clashing prints to sell ready-to-wear on a global scale.

Last year Saunders teamed up with The Rug Company, and product design seems to be as much in his DNA as fashion. Perhaps this is the arena where Saunders will channel his creative force. In June Saunders told WWD: “I did furniture and product design before fashion and I come from a textiles background, so there’s a real synergy between what I do in fashion and this process,” he said. “Interiors is a big investment because they’re around for a lot longer. A rug is kind of a commitment."

Image:Jonathan Saunders Rug Company

Jonathan Saunders