A new American dream
HE left his position as creative director at Dior citing a need to concentrate on his eponymous label, among other things, and the move appears to have paid off for Raf Simons.
The Belgian designer announced plans recently to show his Autumn/Winter 2017 men’s collection at New York Fashion Week: Men’s next February, making it the brand’s debut on the city’s catwalks.
“Raf is one of the most influential designers on the international fashion stage,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
“His creativity and energy are a welcome addition as we continue to grow this important platform for American menswear.”
The stateside move suggests the European designer has global ambitions for his label to crack North America, having shown his Autumn/Winter 2016 collection in Paris earlier this year, followed by a Spring/Summer 2017 collection that was revealed during Florence’s Pitti Uomo menswear event in June.
Perhaps Simons is taking a more US-focused approach to fashion following his appointment as chief creative officer at one of the country’s most renowned fashion houses, Calvin Klein, which was announced in August. His debut collection for the brand is also set to be revealed for the Autumn 2017 season.
Simons stepped down as creative director at Christian Dior last October, following three-and-a-half years as the head of the legendary French house’s womenswear department. “It’s a decision founded on one hand by my desire to concentrate on other centers of interest in my life, notably my own label, as well as the passions that motivate me beyond my professional activities,” he said at the time. Those other passions may have to wait for a while – for now. Simons’ career appears to be going full throttle. – AFP Relaxnews