RAF SIMONS TO SHOW AT PITTI UOMO THIS JUNE

by Stephen Garner
Raf Simons Pitti Uomo Willy Vanderperre
Raf Simons by Willy Vanderperre

Contemporary fashion designer Raf Simons will present his spring/summer ‘17 eponymous men’s line at a special event entitled Florence Calling: Raf Simons at Pitti Uomo 90 this June in Florence. Specific details have not yet been released.

The Belgian-born designer launched his menswear line in 1995. From 2005 until 2012, he was creative director at Jil Sander; following that. he was creative director at Christian Dior until his resignation in October 2015. He has also worked on collaborations with such brands as Fred Perry, Adidas, and Eastpak.

“Florence holds a special place in my heart, as, over the years, I have regularly come back to show my work or to collaborate on ventures that closely mirrored my thoughts about it,” said Simons. “I am thrilled to be there again this season to present my S/S collection as well as a special project we are developing especially for Pitti.”

“We are both happy and proud that Raf Simons is coming back to Florence,” said Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine director of communications and events. “He has been a leading figure in some of the best events we have produced during Pitti Immagine Uomo over the years. We like to believe that Raf considers Florence the ideal context and opportunity for taking stock of his professional and personal projects, and the place to find the energy and inspiration for future endeavors.”

“There is also an even more powerful emotional element, a very personal note,” concludes Cianchi. “I believe that Raf, like no other person in fashion, is able to grasp the restless spirit of youth, its lights and sounds, along with a nostalgia for youth, which is a vital and positive acceptance of maturity. And this is why he succeeds so well in presenting the myth of youth in new forms and ways.”