Raf Simons

Speaking of contemporary couture designers, one would be amiss in failing to mentioning Raf Simons. Trained in industrial design at a young age before working for Walter Van Beirendonck, Jil Sander and now Dior where he has continued to define his work through pragmatism, Simons can be described as a modernist at the core. His role at Christian Dior has put him virtually atop the fashion food chain while his eponymous label continues to thrive based on its well-received aesthetic as well as collaborations ranging from Fred Perry, to EASTPAK and adidas.