about Raf Simons

Born in Neerpelt, Belgium in 1968 Raf Simons grew up in the small Flemish village near the German border where music became his main means of escape from what he perceived as a world devoid or arts and culture. Musicians David Bowie, Kraftwerk and Joy Division were amongst his favourites and later inspired elements of his creative vision as a designer.

After graduating, he worked as a furniture designer for a short period before embarking upon a career in fashion. In 1995 Raf Simons launched his first menswear showroom collection in Milan. After only one season in Italy he relocated to Paris, showing a further 3 showroom collections; he became renowned for the unusual ways he displayed his work and the unconventional models scouted from the streets of Antwerp.

Thanks to his unique, modernist vision Raf Simons became an industry favourite.