NEW YORK, Feb 3, 2004/ FW/ --- DALLAS, Feb 3, 2004/ FW/ --- Raf Simons, known for his provocative yet poetic collections is crossing the Atlantic this season to bring his critically acclaimed designs to the Big Apple.

Part of the Antwerp designers who has taken Paris by Storm, the 35 year old Raf Simons is considered one of the most important emerging menswear designers in Paris. He finds inspiration from music, art and literature, transforming them into stimulating youth oriented designs.

His runway shows during the Paris menswear season is a “must see” among the crop of emerging designers.

Starting his career as a furniture designer, Raf Simons shifted to menswear in 1995. His collections have always garnered rave reviews from the fashion press. His work is sold in influential stores and boutiques around Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Russia and the United States.

Simons who is based in Antwerp, Belgium also teaches fashion at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. His book “Isolated Heroes,” with acclaimed photographer David Sims is among one of his many accomplishments, together with the 2003 GWAND Swiss Textiles Award.

Raf Simons will unveil Fall 2004 collection in New York on February 8, 2004 at 9:00 PM at the Marquee, 289 Tenth Avenue, between 26th & 27th Street.