Raf Simons demonstrated his love of cinema once again last night, this season with a tribute to Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic Jaws. While the cable-knit jumpers and waterproof jackets beloved by fishermen is an area well mined by the fashion industry over the years, Simons’ show featured Jaws-specific references that had instant appeal – think red beanie hats and merch T-shirts and sweatshirts, featuring the movie’s infamous shark.
Breton tops, unravelling knit jumpers, wetsuits, soaked hair, and a floor-to-ceiling projection of water only compounded the theme. Models, which included Doutzen Kroes, Stella Tennant and Kaia Gerber, arrived on the catwalk looking as if they’d escaped from shark-infested waters.
“We are attracted to things that are dangerous,” Simons told journalists post-show. “We can’t stay away from it.”
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Simons juxtaposed his Jaws inspiration with another classic US film, The Graduate, translating into Mrs Robinson-style pleated skirts (albeit with shark-ravaged rips), shift dresses, kitten heels, oversized tweed jackets and graduation hats. The pairing of the two aesthetics made for an instantly desirable collection that will no doubt sell well.
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“It’s a certain kind of attraction to whatever’s happening around us, which I want to see if I can turn around again,” said Simons of his inspiration. “Disasters happen naturally, but they turn into beauty again. Beauty is around us but can often turn into disaster, whether it’s about love or about how humans are together.”
The show attracted a star-studded front row, with guests including Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Campbell, Millie Bobby Brown, Saoirse Ronan, Rami Malek, Mia Goth, Kate Bosworth and Laura Dern.
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Simons joined Calvin Klein two years ago and has injected his signature minimalism and pop culture knowledge to the heritage brand, often weaving in movie references, such as US horror film Carrie which inspired the brand’s spring/summer 2018 collection. The label celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK
