HOUSE OF DIOR APPOINTS SIMONS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanFor close to a year, the speculation of who will replace John Galliano at House of Dior has kept the fashion industry on the edge of their seats.
Many had thought that the designer of choice would surely be Marc Jacobs but Jacobs eventually went on record saying that he would not be filling that position.
The wait is finally over and an official statement will be released this coming Wednesday. Belgian designer, Raf Simons, has officially accepted the position of new Artistic Director of Haute Couture for Christian Dior Women’s Ready-To-Wear and Accessories.
He succeeds John Galliano who stepped down from the position at Christian Dior last year after accusations that he made anti-Semitic remarks during an altercation one evening in Paris.
Raf had previously been Creative Director at Jil Sander. He stepped down in February of this year amidst industry rumors. As Simons states, “Around the globe, the name Dior symbolizes the ultimate in elegance and refinement. I am truly humbled and honored to become Artistic Director of the most celebrated French house in the world.” Raf became a menswear designer in 1995 and was confident that the direction he wanted to take was high fashion. Confirmation came after he had the opportunity to work with Walter Von Beirendonck in Paris. There he gained familiarity with the designs of Jean Paul Gaultier and Martin Margiela. Simons joined Jil Sander in 2005.
Raf Simon’s designs are simple yet bold. Pastels and solids are key in many of the outfits that were shown for Jil Sander season after season. He was partial to pantsuits and caters to the professional career oriented woman. He even launched his own menswear label called ‘Raf Simons” in 2006. The line continues to draw fashion followers and that will certainly not change.
Raf Simons will be put to the test with his first collection for Christian Dior debuting at Paris Couture Week in July. We think he will get an A+ and the House of Dior will take on a whole new personality. A wish for much success to Raf Simons in his new position.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.zimbio.com, www.nymag.com, www.fashiontv.com
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