Raf Simons, giving a kiss to show comers at the end of the Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2012 presentation
Thursday February 23- After several years at his Creative Director post, Raf Simons is leaving Jil Sander with the Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 presentation being his last.
In a statement released from Jil Sander this afternoon:
The JIL SANDER Group and Raf Simons, announce today that Mr. Simons will leave his position as Creative Director.
JIL SANDER Group and Raf Simons agreed that the designer will step down from his position as of 27th February 2012.
Raf Simons was appointed JIL SANDER Creative Director on the 1st of July 2005 with his first collection being Men’s Fall/Winter 2006. The Women’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection will be his last for the company.
JIL SANDER thanks Raf Simons for his dedicated commitment to the brand, throughout these years, and wishes him the very best for the future.
Jil Sander Group will communicate the appointment of a new Creative Director in the next few days.
There has been speculation for months that Simons might be slated to take John Galliano’s place at Dior. Some speculation has even gone so far as to say that negotiations were underway with LVMH and nearing completion. Let’s keep in mind the same thing was reported about Marc Jacobs as well. During the height of fashion week, there is always a shakeup.
Simon’s last collection with Jil Sander takes place on Saturday in Milan, Italy. For those of you that aren’t able to attend in person, Jil Sander Group will host the show LIVE on it’s website.
