With Christian Dior continuing to stay tight lipped, the speculation on John Galliano’s replacement continues. Raf Simons is the latest hot tip to fill the anti Semitic former creative director’s very big shoes.
Fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily reported that a source close to the Belgian designer says he’s close to signing on the dotted line. But there may be a few obstacles in his way before he seals the deal.
The most obvious stumbling block is Simons’ contract with Jil Sander. He’s been with the firm since 2005, and he recently extended his contract. Christian Dior could probably buy him out of that deal, but that’s only if Jil Sander is willing to play.
There’s also the not so small matter of Yves Saint Laurent, who are also rumored to be courting Simons. It’s been suggested that Stefano Pilati’s been on shaky ground at the fashion house for some time, and with his contract expiring in March I can’t imagine it will be renewed. Simons would be a great replacement fit for either fashion house, so he might simply look to the highest bidder.
Even if the Christian Dior deal does go ahead, we’re getting very close to the release of new season fashions. Dior is likely to want a couture collection by January followed by a ready-to-wear collection by March. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for anyone new to put their stamp on the projects, which suggests Bill Gaytten will continue to head up the design work in the mean time.
With Christian Dior refusing to comment it’s up to us to gossip. Would you like to see Raf Simons at Christian Dior?
