Raf Simons Ready-To-Wear SS 2015 Decoded

While designers constantly feel pressurised to change, re-invent themselves and their references, Raf Simons triggered a feeling of déjà vu as his ready to wear collection echoed his couture predecessor. (Go back to Dior’s Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2014 collection, to compare the set yourself.) ‘For this collection I wanted to continue; I thought there was more to explore…’ noted Simons as he once again stood at the helm where past meets future. Taking on ready-to-wear, the 2015 Spring Summer catalogue resembled a warm summer’s day in Versailles somewhere around the mid 1700s, but with Simons’ twist of sleek, sporty and futuristic ensembles.

Much like the trickle-down theory in Economics, we spotted the pannier skirts that had made an appearance in July, but were now suspended from white T-shirt bodices. Floral prints enveloped the astronaut-like jumpsuits, while frock coats came in more minimalistic versions of their former selves with a few embroidered accents.

The designer conjured a set of original ensembles like woven satin ribbon dresses, and billowy white cotton shirt dresses reminiscent of vintage nightgowns. The easiest ensembles were the street-styled skater shorts layered with long line coats, and godet dresses.

Raf Simons, hence, went back to the 18^th century while successfully continuing to uphold what Monsieur Dior once remarked, ‘Without proper foundations, there can be no fashion.’

In the front row: