Raf Simons
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Raf Simons (1968-) is a Belgian fashion designer. He studied industrial design, but after a few years of self-study he became a menswear designer in 1995. Initially he worked with Walter Van Beirendonck in Paris, where he was exposed to the work of Martin Margiela and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
His collections (menswear only) are strongly influenced by youth culture albeit in an indirect way. He often combines strongly cut classic menswear with baggy streetwear-influenced items. Simons' style has been described as highly influential. He is being cited as one of the most important innovators in contemporary menswear by the international press. He presents his collections twice a year, usually in Paris, but works and lives in Antwerp, Belgium.
In summer 2005 he was appointed as creative director for the Jil Sander label, owned by the Prada Group. He also announced the creation of a second own menswear line, "Raf by Raf Simons", to be launched in 2006.
Raf Simons was also believed to be a vegetarian.
