Fashion enthusiasts and book lovers alike are in for a treat with the release of the latest book from Assouline, titled Dior by Raf Simons. This exquisite volume showcases the iconic creations of Belgian designer Raf Simons during his tenure at the illustrious Parisian fashion house from Fall/Winter 2012 to Fall/Winter 2015. Dior by Raf Simons is part of Assouline's series chronicling each creative director of the Maison, commemorating their individual contributions. This volume, the sixth in the series, pays homage to Simons' legacy at Dior and reaffirms his status as a designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. With a cover featuring a striking lipstick red coat inspired by Dior's iconic Bar jacket, the book encapsulates the essence of Simons' transformative vision.
In Dior by Raf Simons the fusion of Simons' contemporary aesthetic and the timeless allure of Dior takes centre stage. Consisting of three hunded forty-four pages adorned with two hundred and twenty-five illustrations, the book invites readers to embark on a visual journey through the designer's most memorable haute couture designs. Through the lens of talented photographer Laziz Hamani, every delicate nuance and intricate detail of Simons' creations is expertly captured, breathing life into the pages. The book also features images by the likes of Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh, Willy Vanderperre and Sarah Moon.
Raf Simons once reflected, “The way I perceive myself within the realm of Dior differs greatly from how I perceive myself within my own brand.” The first chapter of the book describes the early life and career trajectory of the Belgian designer, highlighting his upbringing in the small town of Neerpelt, where he found solace and connections at a local record store. Simons later relocated to Genk and pursued a degree in industrial and furniture design in 1991. Inspired by the energy of the Antwerp Six, he interned under Walter Van Beirendonck who took him to Paris where Simons had his first transformative fashion experience and epiphany at a Martin Margiela show.
In 1995, Simons launched his eponymous label, which gained a cult following in menswear by blending counterculture symbols with reinterpretations of uniforms. From 1997 onwards, Simons made waves in Paris with his influential shows featuring slim tailoring, street casting, and impressive runway venues like La Grande Arche de la Défense. Simons made his mark in womenswear when he became the artistic director at Jil Sander from 2005 to 2012. During his tenure, he presented a trilogy of collections inspired by the essence of haute couture. Recognised for his meticulous silhouettes and contemporary sensibilities, Simons stepped into the role of creative director at Dior, succeeding John Galliano after the latter's controversial remarks. Simons brought a fresh wave of modernity to the iconic fashion house, departing from Galliano's retro-infused glamour accumulated over a remarkable 15-year tenure. He expressed his forward-thinking approach, stating, "I'm not nostalgic about the past; I'm romantic about the future.” After his successful tenure at Dior, Simons went on to contribute his creative vision to other prominent fashion houses, including a three-year tenure at Calvin Klein and his current role as co-creative director of Prada, where he collaborates with Miuccia Prada since 2020.
Fashion journalist Tim Blanks, renowned for his insightful analysis and authoritative voice in the industry, accompanies the visual splendour with his perceptive texts, delving into the innovative approach that the Belgian designer brought to Dior. Tim Blanks has been covering fashion since 1985, originally as host of the CBC’s globally syndicated television show Fashion File, then as editor-at-large for style.com, he is now the editor-at-large for The Business of Fashion website.
Blanks unravels the streamlined cuts, adventurous materials, and groundbreaking techniques that defined Simons' collections. From his highly anticipated debut for the House to subsequent critically acclaimed showcases, the book offers an in-depth exploration of Simons' transformative impact on Christian Dior. A must-have for those seeking a glimpse into the modernist vision and poetic femininity that defined Simons' Dior era.Together, Blanks and Hamani ensure that 'Dior by Raf Simons' is not merely a collection of images but a comprehensive narrative that celebrates the artistry of both the designer and the Maison.
Raf Simons once reflected, “The way I perceive myself within the realm of Dior differs greatly from how I perceive myself within my own brand.” The first chapter of the book describes the early life and career trajectory of the Belgian designer, highlighting his upbringing in the small town of Neerpelt, where he found solace and connections at a local record store. Simons later relocated to Genk and pursued a degree in industrial and furniture design in 1991. Inspired by the energy of the Antwerp Six, he interned under Walter Van Beirendonck who took him to Paris where Simons had his first transformative fashion experience and epiphany at a Martin Margiela show.
In 1995, Simons launched his eponymous label, which gained a cult following in menswear by blending counterculture symbols with reinterpretations of uniforms. From 1997 onwards, Simons made waves in Paris with his influential shows featuring slim tailoring, street casting, and impressive runway venues like La Grande Arche de la Défense. Simons made his mark in womenswear when he became the artistic director at Jil Sander from 2005 to 2012. During his tenure, he presented a trilogy of collections inspired by the essence of haute couture. Recognised for his meticulous silhouettes and contemporary sensibilities, Simons stepped into the role of creative director at Dior, succeeding John Galliano after the latter's controversial remarks. Simons brought a fresh wave of modernity to the iconic fashion house, departing from Galliano's retro-infused glamour accumulated over a remarkable 15-year tenure. He expressed his forward-thinking approach, stating, "I'm not nostalgic about the past; I'm romantic about the future.” After his successful tenure at Dior, Simons went on to contribute his creative vision to other prominent fashion houses, including a three-year tenure at Calvin Klein and his current role as co-creative director of Prada, where he collaborates with Miuccia Prada since 2020.
Fashion journalist Tim Blanks, renowned for his insightful analysis and authoritative voice in the industry, accompanies the visual splendour with his perceptive texts, delving into the innovative approach that the Belgian designer brought to Dior. Tim Blanks has been covering fashion since 1985, originally as host of the CBC’s globally syndicated television show Fashion File, then as editor-at-large for style.com, he is now the editor-at-large for The Business of Fashion website.
Blanks unravels the streamlined cuts, adventurous materials, and groundbreaking techniques that defined Simons' collections. From his highly anticipated debut for the House to subsequent critically acclaimed showcases, the book offers an in-depth exploration of Simons' transformative impact on Christian Dior. A must-have for those seeking a glimpse into the modernist vision and poetic femininity that defined Simons' Dior era.Together, Blanks and Hamani ensure that 'Dior by Raf Simons' is not merely a collection of images but a comprehensive narrative that celebrates the artistry of both the designer and the Maison.
