Belgian designer Raf Simons, hailing from Neerpelt, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Simons’ career began in furniture design before transitioning to menswear in the mid-1990s. He founded his eponymous label in 1995, known for its minimalistic, avant-garde designs that push boundaries. His tenure at Jil Sander and later Dior solidified his reputation as a creative force. Simons seamlessly blends high fashion and streetwear, attracting a broad, youthful audience. His influence continues to resonate in contemporary fashion, redefining traditional aesthetics and fostering a new era of creativity, making him a revered icon in the industry. In his Autumn Winter 1998 collection, “Radio-Activity,” Raf Simons paid homage to the beloved New Wave band Kraftwerk, his favourite band. The collection took its name from Kraftwerk’s 1975 album of the same title, Raf incorporated the slim tailoring synonymous with the band’s style and featured references and graphics that paid tribute to the iconic album art of Kraftwerk’s “The Man-Machine.” The particular bomber is, in my opinion, a hidden gem from the collection. Familiarize myself with Raf Simons discography, this is a more subtle items and not quite sought after but still evokes the sense of rebelliously youthfulness that the talented Belgian designer carries throughout his career. Constructed with heavyweight cotton, fully viscose lined inside, features intentional distressing and silhouette is based of a garment has previously been loved and washed regularly.
