'Dior by Raf Simons' Tim Blanks/Assouline Book

Kim Jones‘ Dior is steeped in House history, referencing Mr. Dior’s legacy in muted palettes, sophisticated cuts and a penchant for florals. But before a Dior known for Birkenstock collaborations and ERL collections was an esteemed label better known for its womenswear under Maria Grazia Chiuri, who took the helm in 2016 from Raf Simons — the designer who, arguably, changed the face of Christian Dior.

Simons, who now resides at Prada after shuttering his namesake label, is a quiet designer. Unless you’re really into your fashion, it’s easy to not know that Simons has been at labels such as Jil Sander and Calvin Klein, let alone Christian Dior. Now, his work at Christian Dior is back in the limelight thanks to Assouline, which has worked with the photographer Laziz Hamani and the esteemed writer Tim Blanks to create Dior by Raf Simons.

The 344-page book features 225 illustrations and images, highlighting the designer’s work from Fall/Winter 2012 to Fall/Winter 2015. It looks at critically-acclaimed collections, notably his debut for the House which happened a matter of months after his appointment, while Blanks examines Simons’ innovative approach.

Priced at $195 USD, Dior by Raf Simons is now available to purchase through Assouline’s website. Take a look at some of Hamani’s imagery in the gallery above.

Elsewhere, Wales Bonner has put her SS23 accessories under the spotlight.

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