Raf Simons' Eco-Warrior Chic
Written by: Godfrey Deeny
Photos by Gruber-FWD
PARIS, Jan 28, 2002/ FWD/ --- Though few people in fashion know what Raf Simons actually looks
like, his men’s shows in Paris attract hordes of fans, and draw all the big editors, critics and
stylists.
Simons, who refused ever to be photographed for publication, is an inventive designer and a
brilliant creator of images.
Last season his anti-globalization statement inspired with flares in a Paris school yard and
kicked off reams of media coverage of alleged "terrorism chic."
This season, Raf took us underground in the same school -- designed by architecture great Le
Corbusier -- where he unveiled a series of models in great, hooded coats and bulky jackets,
wandering round in damp forest.
Maybe they will name this collection -- entitled Virginia Creeper -- Eco-warrior chic.
The mood was further enhanced by sudden gusts of wind -- the same ones that forced the cancellation
of the Yves Saint Laurent show, scheduled to be held in a tent a few hours previously.
At times it was tricky to even see the collection, as the audience sat on the other side of a
glass wall; but as best we could see, there were hip and functional multi-pocket coats and bulky
leather sleeveless blousons and very large pants.
Simons is certainly a very talented designer, albeit a perverse one.
Though the clothes were hard to see, the setting and image were memorable. Though we might
never see his face, his name will be around for a long time.
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