When Raf Simons was appointed AD of Christian Dior in 2012 following John Galliano's departure, he inherited one of fashion's most storied maisons. Best known for his minimalist design language at Jil Sander, and his rebellious, youthful eponymous label, Simons arrived with a clear vision for Dior.
Rather than treating couture as something out of reach, he drew from the house's rich archive to create clothes that felt dynamic, contemporary, and relevant to "a younger person, in mind, not necessarily in age." At the same time, he emphasized a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. Across three and a half years, Simons steadily reshaped the language of Dior. Most notably how the iconic Bar jacket made a return with cleaner lines and how couture techniques were introduced into more effortless silhouettes.
In October 2015, shortly after presenting his Spring Summer 2016 collection, Simons announced his departure from Dior. In his official statement, he described it as "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." Although his tenure lasted only three and a half years, it remains one of the most influential chapters in Dior's modern history.
Today, we take a closer look at his Dior Resort/Cruise 2016 collection. Presented just months earlier at the futuristic Le Palais Bulles on the French Riviera. A residence designed by Antti Lovag and later owned by Pierre Cardin. While reflecting Simons' fascination with modernist architecture, the venue also carried a historical connection to Dior, as Cardin began his career in Christian Dior's tailoring department in 1946.
Simons revisited Christian Dior's original New Look with lighter fabrics and functional pleating perfect for summer. Pairing sculptural jackets with kilts, gingham shorts, cropped sailor pants, and sleek tennis dresses. Simons described the collection as "very young, feminine and playful". First seen in Look 8, these lace up boots were crafted from a beautiful floral silk brocade and feature a contrasting pointed toe and back zips for ease of wear.
Tagged size EU35