Raf Simons Calls Curtains On His Namesake Fashion Label After 27 Years
In an unprecedented announcement, fashion designer Raf Simons recently revealed he’ll be pulling the shutters on his eponymous label.
Following “an extraordinary 27-year journey,” the famed Belgian designer, who is still the co-creative director at Prada, confirmed that the Spring 2023 show he staged last month during Frieze London would be the brand’s last.
Simons first launched his line in 1995, continuously growing its position in the fashion scene while doubling up at other major fashion houses—including Dior, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein—over the course of his career.
“I lack the words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved. I am grateful for the incredible support from my team, from my collaborators, from the press and buyers, from my friends and family, and from our devoted fans and loyal followers,” Simons wrote on Instagram.
While the creator didn’t explicitly state why he was closing his namesake line, GQ recalled how he has long seemed frustrated with the unabating pace of the fashion industry.
For example, when Simons was at the helm at Christian Dior, he was tasked with designing for six shows per year.
That was in addition to his own label, and as he once told The Cut, such a schedule did not allow for “incubation time for ideas,” which he deemed as “very important.” Now, at Prada, the designer works with Miuccia Prada on at least four collections annually.
Thankfully, that means fans will still get to see the designer’s work for years to come, especially with WWD pointing out that the Italian luxury brand has described his contract as “in theory, it’s forever.”
Will Simons eventually launch a second act on his own? Let’s wait and see.
[via WWD and GQ, cover image via Raf Simons]
