After much anticipation, Raf Simons made his Calvin Klein debut as the brand’s new chief creative officer on Friday (February 10) at New York Fashion Week: The Shows.
Celebrities including actresses Naomie Harris and Sarah Jessica Parker loaded in to see the show.
“I think we’ve been waiting for this moment. I actually don’t get to come to fashion shows that much and don’t actually. But this one, it’s thrilling,” said Parker.
Simons joined the American fashion house in August 2016 and moved to Manhattan after a stint at Christian Dior in France.
Looking more like its past with a retro vibe, straight leg pants and button down shirts with wide collars, kicked off the collection.
In a statement, Simons said: “It reflects the environment. All of these different people with different styles and dress codes. It’s the future, the past, Art Deco, the city, the American West…all of these things and none of these things. Not one era, not one thing, not one look. It is the coming together of different characters and different individuals, just like America itself. It is the unique beauty and emotion of America.”
Brooke Shields, who was the face of the brand in the 80’s has been brought back by Simons for a new campaign.
“I feel lucky to be here. I feel lucky to be a part of the whole campaign. It feels like a natural fit, no pun intended, I don’t just use jean analogies. It feels like yesterday and it also feels like a lifetime ago,” said Shields who was famous for the catchphrase, ‘nothing gets between me and my Calvins.’
For the first time in several years, the brand sent denim down the runway, which is something the brand was best known for in the 80’s.
The line was filled with unexpected fabric pairings.
Trench and fur coats got an extra layer of protection with a clear plastic cover. Plastic was also mixed with feathers for tops and dresses. Quilting elements was juxtaposed with wool and used as lining in winter coats.
Suiting became sexy with cut outs and comfy with knit embellishments.
Simons didn’t discriminate when it came to sheer, designing similar tops for men and woman with red and white stripe detail.
The Belgian designer paid homage to his new country with a wrap skirt made to look like the American flag.
The line was completed with Pieter Mulier, Simon’s studio director at Dior and the brand’s creative director.
New York Fashion Week ends on February 16.
