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His shock exit from Christian Dior Couture in October last year left a gaping hole in one of the world’s most influential fashion houses, but today Raf Simons securely fills another, this time on the other side of the pond.
The popular designer will swap elegant Paris for bustling New York to take up office as the chief creative officer of Calvin Klein, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans – the first time in the broader company’s history all divisions, including mens- and womenswear have been helmed by the same person since Mr Klein himself.
Credit: Getty Images
While the appointment has been the worst kept secret in the fashion biz all year, more light on exactly why it’s taken so long for it to be announced as finally come to light today: he had a non-compete clause in his Dior contract that expired on July 31.
Simons’ arrival doesn’t exactly send the same shockwaves that his Dior replacement, Maria Grazia Chiuri, did when her new post was announced last month. (Chiuri’s aesthetic is very different to the house’s star creatives, like Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano and Hedi Slimane, who came before her meaning many both anticipate and hope for an exciting shake-up during her tenure.)
Simons on the other hand has the same minimalist style the world expects of the Calvin Klein brand, which along with his vast experience, makes him a safe bet in the top seat.
Credit: Instagram @calvinklein
“The arrival of Raf Simons as chief creative officer signifies a momentous new chapter for Calvin Klein,” said Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Not since Mr. Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact on its future.
“Raf’s exceptional contributions have shaped and modernised fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”
The most exciting part? Experts predict Simons, who is widely considered one of the greatest ready-to-wear designers alive at present, will shift a new focus to the collections, which to this point have not been a money-maker for the brand. Instead, most of the revenue currently comes from licenses and branches like fragrances. Exciting news for lovers of spectacularly-designed fashion.
The Calvin Klein show at September fashion week is now going to be the hottest ticket of the week…