Raf Simons

Retrospective of Raf Simons

A brief look at his designs and innovations.

From furniture to human bodies

A graduate in furniture design, he interned at the design studio of Walter Van Beirendonck, who took him to Paris Fashion Week, where he saw his first fashion show - Martin Margiela’s all-white show in 1991, which inspired him to make the jump from furniture to fashion design. Linda Loppa, who at the time was head of the fashion department at the Antwerp Royal Academy, encouraged Simons to launch his own label, which is what he went on to do in 1995.

Ventures into womenswear at Jil Sanders

He received industry-wide acclaim for his minimalist work at the German label since 2005. During his tenure, Simons transformed the brand's aesthetic from its austere minimalism by adding feminine accents and fluid silhouettes.

Critical acclaim fails to translate ...

Into cash. Raf was let go abruptly because the company 'remained solidly in the red', according to Wall Street Journal.

8 weeks for a new collection: Dior

Shortly afterwards, Raf Simons joined Christian Dior in April 2012, and marked the end of a period of transition following John Galliano's dismissal from the role. Upon his arrival at Dior, Simons was given a mere 8 weeks to develop the fashion house’s fall/winter ’13 couture collection.

A great debut at Dior

"Absolutely stunning"

In spite of a severe time shortage, Simons managed to create a collection which was both loyal to the iconic feminine style of Dior, whilst breathing new life into the fashion house as well. To the left you'll find a handful of compliments Simons' designs received.

"poetic"

"more than elegant"

"completely Raf"

Source: FashionUnited

Critical & commercial success

His arrival at Dior not only received positive applause from the media and fashion fans, but the fashion house financial results also paint a happy picture of Simons tenure at Dior. Christian Dior reported a turnover of 3.9 million euros in 2013 - which had grown to 6.2 million euros by 2015.

The unexpected departure

However, in late 2015, Simons Raf Simons took the entire industry by surprise with the announcement of his impending departure from Christian Dior.

Return to his eponymous label

Raf Simons has shifted his focus to his eponymous label. In June 2016 he showed his SS17 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence.

2016

Calvin Klein appointed Raf Simons as creative director

Andy Warhol Exhibition

He also curated and paid tribute to the greatest pop artist of all.

205W39NYC

He released the critically acclaimed 205W39NYC collection.

Kardashian & Jenner Campaign

He also launched an talk-of-the-town underwear campaign with the pregnant Khloe Kardashian.