Review: Raf Simons

Raf Simons is a designer's designer. Much as we still look to the likes of Rei Kawakubo and Muccia Prada for design innovations, Raf continues to pull his weight in this arena by continually transforming the details. On Entering Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume at Place du la Concorde, perhaps one of Paris' most incredible locations, once couldn't help but notice the soundtrack being played was 'Blue' by La Tour, most famously known from the lesbian club scene in Basic Instinct which was a comical juxtaposition. The show itself had all of the austere precision synonymous with Raf's brand but this collection was pivotal for a few reasons. Firstly, the use of colored and monochrome velcro in racer stripes on the suiting was interesting and fresh. Secondly, the use of silver snap buttons on classic tailoring felt new and innovative. But, the real showstopper had to be the tiered trenches, which had Kanye West in the front row drooling.