Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons, who is highly sought after in the fashion industry, shocked everyone on November 22nd by unexpectedly announcing the end of his eponymous brand after 27 years of operation. The Spring/Summer 2023 fashion show, which took place during the Frieze Art Fair in London, marked the final collection for the brand.
This news has shocked the fashion industry. In a statement, Raf Simons said, “I cannot express in words how proud I am of what we have achieved in these 27 years. I am grateful to my team, collaborative brands, media, and buyers. I am also very thankful to my family, friends, and loyal fans for their strong support. Thank you all for believing in the Raf Simons brand and believing in me.”
Throughout his 27-year journey, Raf Simons’ personal brand has deeply influenced many fashion trends. Now, let us revisit and learn more about this designer.
Industrial design background
Born in Belgium in 1968, Raf Simons graduated from the industrial design program at the HENK Arts School in Belgium. After graduating, he worked for art galleries or private interior design studios. He later interned at the studio of Walter Van Beirendonck, one of the Antwerp Six. Raf Simons once mentioned in an interview that in order to secure the internship opportunity, he “tampered with his portfolio.”
The Path to Fashion
During my internship, I had the opportunity to attend Paris Fashion Week with Walter Van Beirendonck. It was during this time that I watched a fashion show by Martin Margiela, which deeply moved me and made me realize that my true passion lies in fashion, not industrial design. Encouraged by Linda Loppa, the head of the Fashion Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, I made the decision to pursue a career in fashion.
Established in 1995, the brand bears the same name.
After transitioning into fashion design, Raf Simons debuted his eponymous brand’s first collection in 1995. Influenced by his upbringing in music culture, his initial clothing line drew inspiration from his school uniforms and was presented through a film. He also became the first brand in the fashion industry to mix streetwear elements with formal attire.
Subculture and music
Subculture and music have always been essential elements of the brand. The 2001 autumn/winter collection, “Riot, Riot, Riot,” left a deep impression, with the loose bomber jacket paired with a masked look, interpreting the rebelliousness of contemporary youth.
His designs have also been favored by many musicians, at that time celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Rihanna also wore his works, A$AP Rocky even wrote in the lyrics of “Peso” that “Raf Simons, Rick Owens usually what I’m dressed in.”
Join the high fashion industry.
In addition to the success of his personal brand, Raf Simons later joined the high fashion industry! In 2005, he became the creative director of Jil Sander, marking his first foray into women’s fashion design. In 2012, Raf Simons became the creative director of Dior’s women’s collection, marking another milestone in his life. In addition to ready-to-wear collections, he also created his first haute couture collection. The process of preparing for the 2012 autumn/winter haute couture collection was even made into a documentary film called “Dior and I” by director Frédéric Tcheng.
In 2016, he joined Calvin Klein as the Chief Creative Officer in charge of the brand’s overall design, and renamed the ready-to-wear collection as Calvin Klein 205W39NYC.
Left and right hand Pieter Mulier
In Raf Simons’ career as a designer, there are many important behind-the-scenes contributors, among them designer Pieter Mulier is his most trusted right-hand man, accompanying him throughout Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, and now serving as the creative director of French fashion brand Alaïa.
Become co-creative director of Prada
Raf Simons left Calvin Klein in 2018 and joined Prada in 2020 as co-creative director. His first collection was the 2021 spring/summer collection created in collaboration with Miuccia Prada. Since joining the brand, the designs have retained the brand’s original sleek and elegant style while also incorporating Raf Simons’ aesthetic, bringing a fusion of classic and innovative elements. Although the news of Raf Simons’ departure was disappointing for many fans, at least they can still see his design works at Prada in the future.
