Raf Simons thinks fashion should be challenging rather than educational. The designer left Jil Sander earlier this year and has been unveiled as the new head designer of Christian Dior.
He is one of the cover stars of the latest issue of i-D magazine and a teaser of the accompanying interview has been released. In it, Raf talks about what moved him to become a designer.
“Fashion is not there to educate you, but to challenge you. Sometimes I speak with young kids and I have the feeling… not that they have no interest, but that they look at it in a different way. This is the reason I chose to do fashion, to create a dialogue and bring people together,” he says.
Raf showed his final Jil Sander collection at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year. He is proud of the pretty pieces, which included long coats in pastel shades, evening dresses with chest cut-outs and splashes of metallics and bold red hues.
“[It was] very wholesome, very romantic. Kind of like when you’re outside, walking in nature. Beauty isn’t always obvious; you have to search for it. That’s what I find most romantic,” he said.
The job at Dior had been vacant for over a year when Raf was announced as John Galliano’s successor – following his sacking for making racist remarks.
It was confirmed Raf had been awarded the position last month, much to his excitement.
“It is with the utmost respect for its tremendous history, its unparalleled knowledge and craftsmanship that I am joining the magnificent house of Dior,” he said at the time. “Mr Christian Dior has always been for me the most inspiring couturier. Around the globe, the name Dior symbolises the ultimate in elegance and refinement. I am truly humbled and honoured to become Artistic Director of the most celebrated French house in the world.”
Hannah Ferrett
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