Following months of speculation, Raf Simons has officially been named the Chief Creative Officer at Calvin Klein, following three years as Creative Director at Christian Dior Couture. The company announced Simons’ new position over Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, saying that Simons will oversee Design, Global Marketing and Communications and Visual Creative Services.
The brand noted that this marks the execution of a new global creative strategy, originally announced in April 2016, when Calvin Klein Collection designers Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli revealed they would be exiting the American fashion brand. Calvin Klein aims to grow the brand to $10 billion in global retail sales under the vision of Simons. Calvin Klein CEO Steve Shiffman said he hopes that “under [Simons’] direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”
Pieter Mulier, Simons’ studio director who has worked with him since 2002, will join Simons as Creative Director. Mulier will report to Simons, working to carry out his vision across the brand’s various lines. We can look forward to seeing Simons’ first looks for Calvin Klein during the fall 2017 season.
