Surprising fashion news emerged during Milan Fashion Week as Prada, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, announced the appointment of Raf Simons as its artistic director. This unexpected move will see the Belgian couturier team up with Miuccia Prada, the brand’s founder, in an unparalleled artistic direction.
Prada truly has its sights set on innovation. Following recent strides such as securing a beauty license agreement with L’Oréal, implementing fresh retail initiatives, and signing an environmentally conscious loan, the brand is now embarking on a creative transformation. Beginning on April 2nd, Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada will collaborate closely to redefine the concept of artistic signature in their own distinctive way.
“This concept offers a new approach to defining the creative vision of a fashion brand (…). Times are changing, as is the notion of creativity,” Prada stated.
Although the two designers have been acquainted since 2005, their collaboration has grown stronger over the past year after Raf Simons departed from his role as creative director at Calvin Klein. Described as a mutual decision, this partnership will grant both figures equal responsibilities in the creative process and decision-making.
“I’m not here to announce my retirement or my successor,” Miuccia Prada humorously remarked during a press conference. “On the contrary, it’s a new breath for me, a very exciting new adventure.”
Raf Simons, aged 52, brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein. He will play a vital role in shaping Prada’s upcoming Spring/Summer 2021 Women’s collection, slated to be unveiled in Milan in September 2020.
[Useful links:](https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/raf-simons-prada-artistic-director “Raf Simons Joins Prada as Co-Creative Director”) [Raf Simons Joins Prada as Co-Creative Director] [L’Oréal and Prada Sign for License Deal]
