A month after showing his SS/23 collection in London, Belgian designer Raf Simons has announced that he is shuttering his eponymous label. The news comes as a surprise, and makes his London Show an even more significant moment, as it now serves as the brand’s last show.
“The Spring Summer 2023 collection is the conclusion of an extraordinary 27-year journey and the final season of the Raf Simons fashion brand,” the designer wrote on Instagram.
“I lack the words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved,” he added. “I am grateful for the incredible support from my team, from my collaborators, from the press and buyers, my friends and family, and from our devoted fans and loyal followers.”
“Thank you all, for believing in our vision and for believing in me.”
The beginning
Since he entered the world of fashion in 1995, the designer has become of fashion’s most influential visionaries. His forward-thinking approach has brought a refreshed perspective to his collections at his namesake brand, as well as Jil Sander and Dior where he served as Creative Director. This approach extends to Simons’s other roles as Chief Creative Officer at Calvin Klein, as well as in his current role as co-creative director at Prada. Simons used his eponymous label to shake up pop culture and art by bringing a signature, youthful design approach that remained consistent in each of his collections.
Pushing Boundaries
It is well known in the world of fashion and luxury that Simons pushed boundaries with his daring collections. For Spring 2002 the designer used models with face coverings, carrying lit flares down the runway. In recent years the designer’s influence was proven to be immeasurable. During its three-decade lifespan, Simons used his label to collaborate with some notable creatives and designers. On numerous occasions, Simons collaborated with Sterling Ruby, the most notable of which came in 2014, when Simons and Ruby worked on a collection that referenced American heritage and culture.
As things stand, Simons closing his brand will not affect his role as co-creative director at Prada. The designer will continue working alongside Miuccia Prada in the role he has held since 2020.
