Dior Names Raf Simons as Galliano Replacement

French fashion house Dior has finally named the man who will be a permanent replacement for disgraced John Galliano. Raf Simons, a 44 year old Belgian will be chief designer and responsible for haute couture, ready-to-wear and women’s accessories.

John Galliano was sacked last year after he was found guilty of making anti-Semitic remarks in public. Dior were swift to dismiss the British designer and since then his former associate Bill Gaytten has been Galliano’s stand-in.

Raf Simons comes with a distinguished career, being known for daring minimalist fashion largely in men’s designer clothing. He worked as a creator for the Jil Sander fashion house for almost 7 years before departing in February. His name has long been touted as a possible replacement for Galliano.

Simons made a name for himself designer menswear which he stated were for “the individualist, an eccentric who doesn’t mind being different” and it was this approach that made his Parish fashion shows ones to watch for upcoming fashion trends within men’s fashion.

So what can we expect from the new chief designer for Dior? Simons is a man who likes to be different and who likes to set trends rather than follow them, so don’t expect the expected here. Right now the emphasis is on men’s suits and bright, bold colours and patterns. As Simons is a minimalist at heart perhaps he’ll go for clear cut lines and pastel colours, much as the vintage collection from Lyle & Scott which is proving to be very popular with trendy youngsters. Light colour hues can also be seen in Armani’s Polo Shirts.

As Simons also knows a thing or two about accessories, perhaps these will come back into focus in menswear? Accessories are a great way to add a little colour to your wardrobe or to break up any intense colour.

Raf Simons will showcase his first haute couture collection with Dior in Paris in July and Dior are confident that he will impress, calling him “one of the biggest contemporary talents”. No doubt every fashion house will be anticipating his first collection so we’ll just have to wait and see if Mr Simons can once again set the trends for men’s fashion.