Raf Simons is exiting Christian Dior.
The 47-year-old designer, who started his post as the creative director of the French fashion house in April 2012, is said to have "reached this decision for personal reasons." The spring/summer 2016 collection he presented at Paris Fashion Week this season will be his last for the brand.
“It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior’s women’s collection,” Simons said in a statement. “It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work.
"Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book. I want to thank Mr. Bernard Arnault for the trust he has put in me, giving me the incredible opportunity to work at this beautiful house surrounded by the most amazing team one could ever dream of. I have also had the chance over the last few years to benefit from the leadership of Sidney Toledano. His thoughtful, heartfelt and inspired management will also remain as one of the most important experiences of my professional career.”
WWD reports "informed industry sources" describe the separation as "amicable on both sides after the designer and the company failed to reach agreement on a new employment contract."
So far, there is no word on who Raf's successor may be.
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