Raf Simons’ move to Calvin Klein confirmed

Calvin Klein pre-spring 2017

After months of swelling speculation, PVH Corp. has officially announced that Raf Simons will be the chief creative officer of the Calvin Klein brand.

Mr. Simons, who exited his lead design role at Dior last fall, will now be in charge of all Calvin Klein labels, from its runway Calvin Klein Collection to its Calvin Klein Underwear, overseeing design as well as marketing and communications. With this appointment, Calvin Klein is uniting all of its entities under a singular vision, enabling the brand to ensure cohesion.

Making it official
Mr. Simons’ appointment is effective immediately. While the hire appeared to be certain for months, with even the brand’s eponymous founder hinting at the appointment, the designer’s non-compete clause in his Dior contract prevented his move until now.

The designer will be in charge of Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Platinum, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Home. In 2013, Calvin Klein bought back its underwear and jeans business, as it sought to unify its collections.

Calvin Klein Underwear campaign

On April 19, Calvin Klein said it was shifting its creative strategy, placing the entire brand under one person’s vision, excusing women’s wear creative director Francisco Costa and menswear head Italo Zucchelli from their respective posts (see story).

Now, as the label focuses on its growth with a goal of reaching $10 billion in sales, Mr. Simons is expected to be key in strengthening the brand’s premium positioning. While at Dior, he modernized the house’s codes and heritage shapes, bringing the brand into the 21st century.

Raf Simons

“The arrival of Raf Simons as chief creative officer signifies a momentous new chapter for Calvin Klein,” said Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Not since Mr. Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact on its future.

“Raf’s exceptional contributions have shaped and modernized fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand,” he said.

Along with the appointment of Mr. Simons, Calvin Klein has hired Pieter Mulier as creative director. Working under Mr. Simons, Mr. Mulier will help bring his vision to fruition, overseeing the creative and design teams for men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and making connections between those lines and the accessories and other apparel collections.

from Apparel and accessories – Luxury Daily https://www.luxurydaily.com/raf-simons-move-to-calvin-klein-confirmed/
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