A Somber Farewell to Raf Simons
Raf Simons announces his eponymous label’s departure from fashion

Belgian Designer Raf Simons at Raf Simons SS23

In a message to fans, designer Raf Simons took to Instagram in a surprise announcement expressing that the brand's latest Spring/Summer 2023 show in October at the London nightclub, Printworks, would be its last. The Belgian designer has been at the helm of the brand for several years, and his departure marks the end of an era.

"The Spring/Summer 2023 collection is the conclusion of an extraordinary 27 year journey and the final season of the Raf Simons fashion brand," said the 54-year-old designer in the Instagram post.

Looks from Raf Simons SS23

"I lack words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved," he continued.

"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," he added. "Forward always, Raf."

Looks from Raf Simons SS23

Simons’ final collection for the brand was a beautifully curated selection of pieces that highlighted the designer’s signature aesthetic. The clothes were elegant and refined, with a focus on clean lines and precise tailoring.

The color palette for the collection was mostly neutral, with splashes of bold color to add visual interest. The designs were both timeless and modern, with a nod to the past but with a clear focus on the future.

Hosted in the cavernous Printworks club, the Raf Simons SS23 collection is almost entirely disinterested in the trends that overtook this year’s Paris Fashion Week. Instead, the luxury brand’s garments were shrouded in accents of neon hues, reminiscent to that of the 1980s.

Overall, Raf Simons’ final collection for the fashion house was a fitting farewell to the designer and a testament to his talent and vision. His pieces will no doubt continue to be sought after by fashion lovers for years to come. While we don’t know exactly the reasoning for Simons’ closing of the brand or what’s next for the designer, we do know he will continue on as co-creative director of Prada, alongside Miuccia Prada, a post that he has been in since February 2020.