Who could have imagined Raf Simons becoming synonymous with restraint and anonymity
Calling upon the creative direction of Raf Simons, Vogue Hommes Japan dedicates a spread in its latest issue to the designer. While William Eustace takes center stage in a serious manner familliar to Simons’ aesthetic, photographer Pierre Debusschere captures the stark scene. Dressing William in garments and accessories from the archive, Marieke van Dongen and Matthieu Blazy (@ Raf Simons) offer a detailed curation of Raf Simons’ recent collections.
Paris Fashion Week | Raf Simons Fall 2010
As the line continues to blur between Raf Simons work for Jil Sander and his own line, the Belgian designer attempts to shock with a collection that tests the constraints of gender. Embellishing well-tailored suiting with magnetic snaps and zippers, Simons goes another step, adding form-fitting knits and wrap skirts to the equation. Further differentiating the range from other seasons, broken geometrics find a random home spread out across the collection’s tops and jackets. At large, Simons has several design elements at play that often conflict with each other, leaving the collection’s strength to its minimalist assets found in unworked suiting that ultimately provides the range with its strong foundation.
Year in Review | Campaign Firsts
Strangely enough, this year marked campaign firsts for three labels of interest–Patrik Ervell, Tim Hamilton and notably Raf Simons. All three, quite simple in nature, hit a chord that characterized the label perfectly. So often the rebel, Raf Simons employed a model screaming at his logo, while enveloped in this season’s tailored, but oversize silhouette. Meanwhile, Patrik Ervell found grounding in the anonymous silhouette that highlighted his sporty side. Finally, Tim Hamilton portrayed his man of sophistication, surprisingly hiding his unusual details that set him apart. Altogether, the three labels delivered a great first go and we cannot wait to see what’s in the works for spring 2010.
Fall 2009 | Raf Simons x Dr. Martens
Raf Simons’ latest collection for Dr. Martens is set to add some pizazz to a fall season that is quite dark. Working with the traditional 3-eye, Double Monk Strap, 8-eye and High Boot styles, Simons offers Dr. Martens’ iconic look a new spin with the introduction of the Zip, Strap and 3-eye Zipped styles. Housing two distinct aesthetics, the collection plays at both conservative and bold features. Drawn to Excel and New-Nova leather, Simons creates a smart look where the excitement is maintained in the details. Meanwhile, in general Raf Simons’ flair, the Koram Flash selection features reflective metallics in gold, copper and pewter. If you’re going to be dressed in all black this fall, you might as well let your shoes do the talking. If not available already, the collection should be reaching stores any day now. Stockists include Browns, Oki-ni, Dover Street Market and Selfridges.
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