Raf Simons is leaving Dior in an amicable separation, Women’s Wear Daily reports. The Belgian designer said, “It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior’s women’s collection. It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book. I want to thank Mr. Bernard Arnault for the trust he has put in me, giving me the incredible opportunity to work at this beautiful house surrounded by the most amazing team one could ever dream of. I have also had the chance over the last few years to benefit from the leadership of Sidney Toledano. His thoughtful, heartfelt and inspired management will also remain as one of the most important experiences of my professional career.”
LVMH’s chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault and Christian Dior Couture’s CEO Sidney Toledano said they “acknowledge Raf Simons’ decision and very warmly thank him for his exceptional contribution to the house.”
When he joined the house back in 2012, Raf told i-D, “Many people might think it’s unnatural for me to go to Dior. But Dior offers a lot for me, a lot of responsibility and scope for my designs. I will have a greater structure within which to tell my story.” He added, “Dior celebrates femininity, elegance and nature. It will be an interesting development for me and a greater structure to tell my story.”
His spring/summer 2016 collection happened just two weeks ago and there was no indication that Simons would be leaving. He has been at the house for three and a half years and no successor has been named as yet, but the rumor mill is already suggesting Riccardo Tisci, Phoebe Philo and Jonathan Anderson. More on this as we hear it…
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Photography Mitchell Sams