Raf Simons Replaces John Galliano at Dior

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Raf Simons has been confirmed as John Galliano's replacement as creative director at Christian Dior.

The appointment follows over a year of rumours, following Galliano's firing after an anti-Semitic rant in a Paris bar. Simons, 44, is the former creative director for Jil Sander, and will assume his new role on Wednesday.

 Simons told the New York Times this afternoon: 'The first time I heard about the Dior position, I thought "this feels right."'

According to the rumour mill, which has been in overdrive since Galliano was dropped from the French fashion house, a string of other top designers had been approached about the position. Simons' name was the latest to be thrown into the ring in February, following news that he was leaving Jil Sander to make way for a return from the label's founder.

Sidney Toledano, Dior's chief executive, admitted in October that the search for Galliano's replacement may take months. It turns out that the company began talks with Simon just a few weeks later.

When  Simons' name was initially linked to the role last year, the industry was a bit surprised as Simons is renowned for his trend-setting minimalistic designs for Jil Sander, a stark contrast to Galliano's flamboyant signature aesthetic.

 

But it seems Simons' innovative flair will ultimately prove a good fit for Christian Dior, and he is heavily inspired by the couturier who made his name in the Forties.

He told the paper: 'For me, the strongest impact is the first ten years of Dior… [he] was very innovative during a short time span.

'It was in the middle of the 20^th Century, a period I am very interested in, whether it’s linked to fashion, architecture or art. I find it very challenging to rethink couture.' Simons admitted, though, that he is slightly daunted by the prospect of creating haute couture, something he has never done.