Raf Simons Is Leaving Dior

In a bit of unexpected news, Raf Simons is set to part ways with Dior, thus putting an end to their three-and-a-half-year collaborative endeavor. According to Dior, Simons “reached this decision for personal reasons” and his Spring/Summer 2016 collection will be the last for the French luxury label. Said Simons in a statement:

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.

Since his appointment at Dior in 2012, the renowned Belgian fashion designer had taken the label in a new, more modern direction, offering a distinctly different take on the classic brand than those of John Galliano and Bill Gaytten before him. Simons’ successor has yet to be named and Dior is currently on the hunt for a new creative director.