Raf Simons
(Retrospective - Exhibition)
Retrospective Exhibition for leading fashion disigner Raf Simons, the assigned was to create the exhibition's poster, app and wall graphic.
Research into Raf Simons, his design process, history as a designer and inspirations for his designs/inspirations, particularly how he transitions this to other luxury brands as Creative Director (e.g. Dior, Jil Sander and Prada) helped form the concept direction for the exhibition.
For this project, I used Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
Made in Raf (Exhibition) - Concept Direction Moodboard
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Before his radical pivot to fashion design, Raf Simons studied Industrial Design. His organised, precise, experimental, pure, technical, free-form vs function design mentality has continued to his garment designs and is particularly evident I his work for Jil Sander, Dior, Calvin Klein and Prada. This conceptual retrospective exhibition gives the viewer an insight into his creative mind, showcasing industrial textures and materials, garment construction, idea generation and inspiration as the key elements.
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Expressive word-art messages were used to communicate Simons’s thought process, like an instruction manual while also contrasting the various textiles used throughout his career for garments and also in Industrial design (e.g. furniture).
Raf Simons as Creative Director at Dior. Dresses print by artist Sterling Ruby. Photography - Patrick Demarchelier
Backstage at Raf Simons SS16. Photography - Virginia Arcaro
Photography - Willy Vanderperre
Raf Simons as Creative Director at Dior. Dresses print by artist Sterling Ruby. Photography - Patrick Demarchelier
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Collage style displays with elements of his minimalist and artistic styles (referencing his love of art) symbolising the journey of being creative, while putting the pieces together to create a collection.
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Paintbrush splatters, heavy brushstrokes contrasting with swirl/geometric shapes are visual motifs that connect Raf Simons’s design aesthetic with artists (e.g. Sterling Ruby). Highlighting the importance of collaboration and support of other designers and creative minds.
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A visual showcase of his design philosophy: “I don’t want to show clothes, I want to show my attitude, my past, present, and future. I use memories and future visions and try to place them in today’s world.”
Keywords to describe the essence of this Concept:
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Innovator.
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Collaborator.
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Instigator.
