Raf Simons Defends His Ability To Design For Dior

He can do it all.

Apr 15, 2012
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original

Raf Simons was named the successor to John Galliano at Dior earlier this week, and critics and industry insiders have had a lot to say since then. One of the biggest questions about his position at the fashion house, besides how exactly it came about, is whether Simons can translate his minimalistic aesthetics into Dior's traditional dramatic and feminine designs.

Simons has only given a few brief quotes about his vision for Dior since his appointment as creative director. But during a recent interview with WWDthe designer took the time to defend his ability to bring the two respective aesthetics together.

On his design aesthetics:

“I don’t think it’s wrong to call me a minimalist. It’s wrong to call me a minimalist only,” noted the Belgian designer, who had been the creative director of Jil Sander in Milan since 2005. “I am also a romantic person.”

Indeed, if “purism” was the guiding light and primary inspiration for Simons at Jil Sander, it will be “femininity” at the house of Dior, “because it’s beautiful, endless and permanent,” he said. “When I’m married to a house, I will fully embrace its original intention, its original heritage and meaning."

He continues:

“I wouldn’t go to that place if I only had minimalism in mind,” he said. “I’m very aware of what the environment is about.”

[nymag]

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