Raf Simons

After three and a half years as creative director at Christian Dior, Raf Simons has announced he’s exiting the house, ​WWD​​ reports. The Spring 2016 collection he showed on October 2 at Paris Fashion Week will be his last. Simons released a statement to ​WWD:

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. 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 that Dior is currently searching for Simons’ successor. He was the sixth couturier for the house; he followed Bill Gaytten, who helmed Dior for a year after John Galliano’s 2011 dismissal. ​Dior’s sales increased dramatically under Simons. ​

Image: Getty

Via: HarpersBazaar.com