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Fashion

GET ACQUAINTED WITH RAF SIMONS

Hailed by fashion-insiders as the new Karl Lagerfeld, Raf Simons is making tracks to be one of the most influential designers of the twenty-first century. This is thanks to unique collections spanning over two decades and multiple monumental fashion houses including Jil Sanders, Dior, Calvin Klein and now Prada. Consider this your catch-up on his career highlights, pop-culture influences, and what we loved from the spring-summer 2021 Prada collection…

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The virtual aftershow interview with Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.

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THE FASHION SHOW THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE

Martin Margiela’s spring-summer 1990 iconic all-white show was the first fashion show he’d ever been to and subsequently changed the course of his life. He was then studying industrial and furniture design in Ghent University and interning with Walter Van Beirendonck who brought him to the show. Without this twist of fate, we may never have known Raf Simons eponymous menswear label or his influential collections as creative director at Jil Sander and Dior, chief creative officer at Calvin Klein and now co-creative director with Miuccia Prada.

HIS HIGH/LOW INFLUENCES

Since his time at Jil Sanders, Raf has always looked to some of the world’s most renowned artists including Picasso. Later at Dior, he offered homages to the Dutch Masters and Andy Warhol and with Calvin Klein, he collaborated with Ruby Sterling. It is not just fine art that interests him as popular culture has also played its part in Raf’s influences with films such as Blade Runner, The Graduate and Jaws and bands such as New Order often paid tribute to in his shows.

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HIS PLACE IN POP-CULTURE HISTORY

In fact, pop-culture has equally looked to Raf for inspiration with the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and A$AP Rocky referencing him in their songs and Kanye West citing Simon’s as the primary influence for his first runway collection, Yeezy Season 1. From Miranda Kerr’s sexy fringed number at the 2009 Met Gala to Jennifer Lawrence’s bulb-skirted gown at the 2013 Academy Awards, Raf’s designs have also been cemented in pop-culture history.

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RAF AT PRADA

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s spring 2021 co-debut was arguably the event of the season and unprecedented in its high calibre meeting of minds and it’s extraordinary on-screen experience. This was also not just the dynamic duo’s debut but it was also the first catwalk show for each of the models adding to the tension and excitement of the streaming. The brand’s signature triangular logo took centre stage, while nylon was not just found on their iconic backpacks but also bustiers, coats, dresses and Miuccia’s hallmark full pleat skirts. Cut-out turtle necks created interesting layering results and tunic-length tees paired with flowy co-ords for the perfect WFH attire topped with colour contrasting kitten heels. We wait with bated breath for this pair’s next iconic instalment, until then we'll enjoy this first-of-its-kind collection.

Discover the most talked-about collection of spring-summer 2021…

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