The fashion house Dior has released Dior by Raf Simons, the sixth book in a series dedicated to each of the house’s artistic directors. Belgian fashion designer Simons was artistic director of Dior’s women’s lines from 2012 to 2015. The new release showcases Simons’ creative vision through ‘clothing portraits’ by photographer Laziz Hamani and writing by fashion journalist Tim Blanks.
“I’m not romantic about the past, I’m romantic about the future.” This is how Raf Simons describes his vision of fashion and couture. In each of his collections, the models implicitly tell the story of his fascination with Christian Dior, with whom he has precious affinities For example, he reinterpreted the iconic silhouette of the New Look and transformed it into a sculptural pant suit in his first Haute Couture show for Fall/Winter 2012/13, an architectural manifesto that seems like a homage to Christian Dior’s original vocation.
Simon’s collections repeatedly allude to shared passions, such as those for nature and gardens, design and art. Simons was also an innovator at Dior. “We must not forget the past, we must go beyond it,” declared Simons. His time at Dior thus heralded a renewal of the house marked by a poetic, avant-garde spirit.
The book with 255 illustrations was published in English and French and was published by Assouline. It costs 195 euros.