If you ever wondered why men suddenly adopted skinny jeans in the early noughties, you really have Raf Simons to thank. Along with Hedi Slimane – now at the helm of Celine – the two revolutionised menswear, changing completely the way in which men wanted to dress.
His reputation as Fashion's wunderkind was only cemented when Simons entered the world of womenswear, first taking the reins at Jil Sander before enjoying a celebrated tenure at Dior until 2016, followed by Calvin Klein until 2018. Today, Simons announced on Instagram that his next offering for his eponymous label will incorporate both men's and, for the first time, womenswear.
The collection will be unveiled on 23 October but, other than that, there is currently no more information. Interestingly, Simons hinted that he left Dior due to the relentless nature of the label's schedule (as creative director, he was responsible for producing six major shows every year). Now, it looks as though he's changed his mind – not only will he be working on his own brand, he has also joined Miuccia Prada as co-creator of the Italian fashion house. Their first co-designed collection will be unveiled during Milan Fashion Week later this month.
We can only wait to see what the next chapter in Simons' already illustrious career will look like.
SEE: Everything That's Happening At New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week SS21
1 of 10Khaite
Khaite's Catherine Holstein embraced a darker demeanour for SS21, in a collection - unveiled in a short film - which explores the paradoxes of today: 'a time of doom and hope, trauma and rebirth, intolerance and endurance'. As ever, however, the knits and leather are on-point.
2 of 10Bronx & Banco
Dresses for the summer you wish you'd had.
3 of 10Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff took over the rooftop of Spring Studios for her on-season Fall 2020 presentation. Guest entry time was strictly limited to staggered 15-minute intervals; models wore tough-girl leather, cosy plaid and tailoring with co-ordinating masks.
4 of 10MONSE
MONSE Fall/Winter 2020 Shoppable Presentation
5 of 10Jason Wu
The designer loved by Michelle Obama and Diane Kruger, was inspired by Tulum, staging his outdoor show on a lushly-decorated rooftop that transformed into an urban oasis. Opened by Indya Moore, who posed with the designer wearing 'Distance Yourself From Hate' masks, the models walked along beach-style decking, while the limited number of guests watched from a front row that looked distinctly 'new normal'.
6 of 10Tom Ford
Because you will go out again, and when you do, Tom Ford is your man. Throwing back to '70s New York and his own '90s Gucci era, the designer and CFDA Chairman presenting a collection bursting with psychedelic florals, animal print, kaftans and slinky suiting. Those shades are made for not-so-incognito A-listers.
7 of 10Zimmermann
Nicky Zimmermann was at home in Sydney for her SS21 outing - show via a video runway - rather than at NYFW. Still, the label's luxe boho vibes were as apparent as ever. 'We think it's very important that we stick on our path, that fashion is enjoyable and fun and optimistic and joyous,' she said.
8 of 10Ulla Johnson
You might not have actually been anywhere this year, but Ulla Johnson's collections always exude just-back-from-vacation good vibes. SS21's audience-less show was held at Roosevelt Island's Four Freedoms Park and starred crochet, acid-wash denim, cheerful prints and plenty of ruffles.
9 of 10Rodarte
Fashion's favourite dreamers - Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy - presented a lookbook for SS21, shot in the hills of their native California. Pyjama sets, tea dresses, and J'Aime Rodarte sweatshirts were teamed with explosive head-dresses. #WFH the Rodarte way.
10 of 10Collina Strada
Sustainability isn't a trend for Hillary Taymour - it's at the heart of everything she does at Collina Strada. This season she swerved the runway for a video - entitled 'Change is Cute - in a collection that was a joyful and optimistic as ever.