Calvin Klein appoints Raf Simons as creative head

Until last year, Simons served Dior, the French retailer of high-fashion apparel and accessories, where he worked for three and a half years as creative director. Before taking over as the head of design at Dior, the Belgian designer worked at Jil Sander for seven years.

Simons also heads his own eponymous ready-to-wear label.

Simons will lead the creative strategy of the Calvin Klein brand globally across the Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Platinum, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Home brands.

As part of his role as chief creative officer, Simons will oversee all aspects of design, global marketing and communications, and visual creative services. Simons' first collections will debut for the fall 2017 season.

Simons' appointment marks the implementation of Calvin Klein's new global creative strategy, announced in April 2016, to unify all Calvin Klein brands under one creative vision. The strategy comes as part of a global evolution of the Calvin Klein brand, which began with the reacquisition of the Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear businesses in 2013.

As Calvin Klein looks to grow the brand to $10 billion in global retail sales, Simons' appointment is intended to further strengthen the brand's premium positioning worldwide and pave the way for future long-term global growth.

“The arrival of Raf Simons as chief creative officer signifies a momentous new chapter for Calvin Klein,” said Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein. “Not since Mr. Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact on its future. Simon's exceptional contributions have shaped and modernised fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”

As part of the creative strategy for the apparel and accessories business, Calvin Klein also announced hiring of Pieter Mulier as creative director, reporting directly to Simons. Mulier will be responsible for executing Simons' creative and design vision for men's and women's ready to wear, as well as the bridge and better apparel lines and accessories. He will also manage all men's and women's design teams within the Calvin Klein brand, under Simons' leadership. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India