Defending Raf

By Neslihan

I felt like defending Raf Simons for his first Dior collection because I've read so many negative comments on the internet. I think it's injustice towards Raf's talent and simply unrespectful towards his art. So that's why I'm focusing on a couple of those reactions in this blog post:

"Raf's collection for Dior was a copy of his last collection for Jil Sander."
This is just bullocks. Okay, this collection had that strong, refined, minimalistic Raf stamp but that's what it was supposed to be. That's why they hired the man. You've got to integrate your own vision while respecting the authenticity of the brand. Dior isn't just a brand it's a history lesson in fashion. It's a hard thing to stick to your own style but also respect what Dior originally stands for: femininity, craftmanship and class. Femininity isn't so much about cleavage, glitters or extravagance. Raf stresses on the polished side of being a woman with his sleek cuts. It basically comes down to this: when Raf left Jil Sander, he did take his vision with him. So, the next time you whine about Raf being too simplistic or minimalistic, take a second and maybe think that that's what it actually has to be.

"This Dior show wasn't couture. It looked like ready to wear!"
Can we please get over the fact that couture is only about gaudy luxury? The luxury of Raf's designs for Dior lies in Raf's impeccable sense for tailoring. Have you seen the modern version of Mister Dior's bar jacket? It was the most perfect taloring ever!  And what about the cut out dresses used as tops? I mean the embellishment was breathtaking. The voluminous dresses were another tribute to Christian Dior's style. This collection was actually something like back to basics. Back to what Dior stood for. The poppy colours and elegant pantsuits proved that. Couture isn't so much about showy, crazy extravagance but ir's about smooth fits and amazing details. Or that's Raf's motto.

"We want John Galliano back."
I'm sure we all have to get used to Raf's vision but give the man at least a chance before you start to judge. You can't compare Simons to Galliano. That is just impossible. Galliano is all about theatrical, eccentric, romantic, 20's glamour while Raf is the embodiment of less is more. He's romantic but in his own way (hence  his last Jil Sander collection). You can't expect him to be a Galliano rip off. That would be boring as well. This collection shows us that a new era has begun because Raf ends the Galliano episode and makes the industry ready for poetic minimalism. And I can't wait until the next collection!

Luckily Raf received also lots of good comments. He invited a lot of fellow designers like Alber Elbaz, Pierre Cardin and Marc jacobs but also celebs like Marion Cotillard and Sharon Stone. Even Charlene from Monaco was there. Isn't that the most amazing guest list? The Belgian and Dutch readers can read some of the reactions here. As for my other beloved readers, I've translated a couple thoughts. Scroll down to read them.

Fashion designer, Walter van Beirendonck, becomes guest editor for a day

I was blogging on tumblr before I had this account. So I've written a couple blogs on that account as well. And most of them are still recent and too good news to let get go. That's why I'm posting one that I've written exactly a month ago. Enjoy!

Yes,yes, yes, it is true! The one and only Walter Van Beirendonck, also known as one of Belgium’s most edgy desginers, was editor for only one day. And of course you’re allowed to ask: What magazine? But I have to disappoint you, it is not a magazine! Not at all, but it is neither a disappointment. I love it when designers are experimental and kind of try out everything once. That’s what Van Beirendonck stands for, so it probably won’t surprise you when I say that he was guest editor of one of Belgium’s most read newspapers, ‘De Standaard’. This is a strange medium but also a very logical one. Van Beirendonck is known for his outstanding designs in which he combines fantasy with reality. He’s the surrealist between the designers. He’s up to date he says with the things that are happening in our world. He’s inspired by the most various things. When he’s asked whether realism was an obstacle on this workfloor, he explains (jokingly): “Oh, but only 90% of my work is very realistic. […] Besides I try to blend the themes that belong to reality with my creative work, such as terror, AIDS, the burqa… This goes well with the feeling I had when creating this newspaper. This is where we’re constantly in touch with the whole wide world.” Walter wanted to make the readers happy with this newspaper. Ever if it was only for today. That would be his main goal, he says. He accomplished his goal, I think. Because this paper is a composition of his personal world. It’s actually his mind map. The things that he’s questioning, wondering, shortly put: the things that keep him busy. The pictures and little titles/quotes are just flowing in each other, which is actually pretty cool to see because that’s how the ideas look in his head, you see? I really loved it and he says that papers should do this once and a while. It’s just so liberating to read this paper, so much fun and really inspiring. It gives you another view on certain things. And it also shows the man behind the designer, Walter Van Beirendonck. I just want to thank him for spicing up today’s newspaper and making my day! Dankuwel*!

*dankuwel: ‘thank you’ in Dutch

Source: De Standaard

Pictures: De Standaard

N.D.