Raf Simons has stepped down from his post as creative director of Dior after three and half years in the position.
He said in a statement, “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.”
Simons’s successor has yet to be identified, but the search is on! Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci seems to be in consideration.
Under his tenure, the brand has tapped a number of high wattage celebrity faces, including Jennifer Lawrence, Marion Cotillard, and Rihanna.
Simons started off designing menswear, then made his mark in womenswear designing for Jil Sander in 2005. He joined Dior in 2012, and we look forward to seeing where he goes next!
What do you think?
Read more on WWD.