With all of the creative directors of fashion houses abruptly leaving their posts and playing the most intricate game of musical chairs, no other designer has caused more speculation about his next career move than Raf Simons. Today, Calvin Klein have officially announced on their Facebook page what the fashion world has been murmuring for months: Simons is the new chief creative officer of Calvin Klein, being given complete control of all lines within the Calvin Klein brand. This comes after the announcement of unifying all brands within Calvin Klein under one vision. The CEO of Calvin Klein, INC. Steve Shiffman had this to say about Simons’ appointment as CCO:
“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. Raf’s exceptional contributions have shaped and modernized fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”
Simons steps in at calvin Klein after his swift departure from Christian Dior in October 2015. At Dior, Simons managed to globalize the brand and turn it into the most profitable design house on a globalized scale in just under four years time. Speculation of Simons’ appointment to Calvin Klein began shortly after Francisco Costa and Italo Zuchelli both stepped down as creative directors for the brand in April of this year. Pieter Mulier has been announced as the brand’s new creative director and will be working with Simons to execute his vision for the house.
Simons’ role is effective immediately, and we cannot wait to see how he redefines the brand.