Raf Simons Shuts Down Namesake Brand
After 27 years, Raf Simons has revealed that his Spring/Summer 2023 show during Frieze London in October was the last for his eponymous label.
On Monday, November 21, Raf Simons announced he is closing his namesake brand after 27 years. The label held its final show in October for the Spring/Summer 2023 season during Frieze London.
“I lack the words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved. I am grateful for the incredible support from my team, from my collaborators, from the press and buyers, from my friends and family, and from our devoted fans and loyal followers. Thank you all, for believing in our vision and for believing in me,” the designer said on social media.
Simons' decision to shut down comes as a shock for many in the fashion world, especially as his work as co-creative director with Miuccia Prada at Prada has garnered substantial praise since he joined the Maison back in 2020. Prior to that, he held positions at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, all while maintaining his namesake label which he established in 1995.
Members of the fashion community have taken to social media to express their gratitude to Simons and wish him well. Fashion designer Marc Jacobs wrote on Instagram, "Always incredible. always inspiring. thank you Raf."
Creative Director of Bottega Veneta and Simons' former protégé, Matthieu Blazy, also commented with a simple heart emoji.
