Raf Simons departing Dior

By Sarah Harvey

Raf Simons appears at one of his Haute Couture fashion shows for Christian Dior in Paris.
REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Raf Simons appears at one of his Haute Couture fashion shows for Christian Dior in Paris. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Dior creative director Raf Simons is leaving his role at the head of the women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessory collections, the French luxury fashion house has announced.

According to Dior, Simons, 47,  reached the decision for “personal reasons”. It is understood the two parties failed to reach agreement on a new employment contract but the Simons departure was amicable.

The designer’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection, presented in Paris last month, was his last for Dior and marks the end of his three-and-a-half year tenure at the house.

“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,” Simons said in a one-page statement released by the company.

“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 M. 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.”

 Simons has an eponymous fashion label,  which is expected to continue showing its collections in Paris. His successor has yet to be identified, but those in the industry say a search for a replacement has begun.

The news of Simons departure comes after designer John Galliano was let go by Dior in 2011 having been filmed making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris bar.

Take a look at our favourite Raf Simons’ runway moments here

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