'Alien,' 'The Breakfast Club' and Other Classic Films Inform Raf Simons' SS21 Collection
“Teenage Dreams” is Simons’ first ever co-ed runway show for his own brand.
As expected, Raf Simons‘ Spring/Summer 2021 collection plays to the Belgian creative’s strengths while expanding the brand’s purview with the inclusion of — for the first time ever — in-house womenswear. For “Teenage Dreams,” Simons channels familiar territory while his design team toys with silhouette, delivering styles new to the line while embracing timeless silhouettes.
Informed by a diverse assortment of classic films — ranging from Hair to Alien to Pan’s Labyrinth — Simons again nods to youth culture while revamping his signature shapes. Some Prada flavor appears to have seeped into his creative process, as the SS21 collection includes some Miuccia-adjacent designs, like chunky knit vests and rich graphic shirting. Other elements are classic Raf, like the boxy blazers (occasionally slashed from the rear), monkish coats and generous trousers pooled atop (RUNNER) shoes.
Body-hugging tees and turtlenecks feature Simons’ insignia, stylized text and a plethora of abstract patterns like checkerboards and swirls of color. The mod-dish graphic design complements the very British Invasion hairstyles, enormous hooded ponchos (think The Beatles’ Help!) and retro garments that included sleeveless leather jackets and flared slacks. Thematic pins and buttons further accented the prints that graced tees, hoodies and coats.
Raf Simons’ SS21 collection will arrive at stockists like HBX early next year.
HYPEBEAST recently spoke with another Belgian fashion legend, touching base with Walter Van Beirendonck.
