history
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 finishing high school Raf enrolled in an industrial design programme. During his studies several Belgian designers including Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester and Walter van Beirendonck began to make waves on the fashion scene and inspired by their work, Simons secured in internship with van Beirendonck, working on the presentation and decoration of the Van Beirenconck showrooms and collections. After graduating, he worked as a furniture designer before a radical career re-direction. On the advice of Linda Loppa, head of the Fashion Department of the Antwerp Royal Academy, he embarked upon a career in fashion as a self-trained menswear designer.
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.
In March 2000, Raf Simons shut down his business for a sabbatical period. The continuing growth and success of his label had led Simons to feel restricted and confined by the rigidity of the business side of fashion. In order to re-energise his work ethos he announced his departure from the fashion world. After being approached and offered a new co-operation deal with Belgian clothing manufacturer Gysemans Clothing Industry he returned to fashion in 2001, this time with a smaller team of collaborators.
In Summer '05 Raf Simons was named the new creative director of Jil Sander, showing his first collection for the label A/W 06. Thanks to his unique, modernist vision the reinvigorated label quickly became an industry favourite. Raf by Raf Simons - his menswear collection debuted a/w '06.
Raf Simons' clothes are not the core of his universe; attitudes, moods and statements are the staples of his world. Music, art, performance, images and words are as important to his outlook as fashion. Taking inspiration from the rebellions of past and present youth culture, his references to the young are an interpretation of their energy, independence and determination.
