One fact is universal: archive Raf Simons is sacred. Undeniably one of the most iconic names in archive fashion

Read time 4 minutes

Courtesy of Raf Simons.

Kris Van Assche merges timeless design with innovative storytelling. His latest collection transcends boundaries, inviting us to reimagine fashion as both an art and an experience.

Artistic Director Kris Van Assche has always been known for his bold, boundary-pushing designs. His recent collaboration with video director Antoine Asseraf and creative consultant Yoann Lemoine (known as Woodkid) takes this philosophy to new heights. Together, they’ve created a virtual fashion experience that celebrates the act of crossing borders—both literal and figurative.

The collection’s standout feature is its fearless use of color, from rich, earthy tones to vibrant accents that breathe life into the garments. The cuts are sharp yet fluid, embodying a delicate balance of structure and freedom. It’s fashion that doesn’t just clothe but makes a statement.

One of the most striking elements of the collection is its attention to detail. Chunky Derby shoes complement oil-slick finishes on coats and accessories, creating an aesthetic that’s both futuristic and grounded. It’s this meticulous approach that sets Van Assche apart.

Courtesy of Raf Simons.

This is not just a collection—it’s an invitation to redefine what you wear to the office. The designs offer a sartorial energy that inspires confidence and individuality. Wear one of these pieces to work, and you’ll set the tone for a bold, new normal.

For those hesitant to dive into the full tailoring experience, Van Assche offers alternatives like a Mao-style worker suit. Crafted from wool and cashmere, its muted tones and modern silhouette make it a versatile choice. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Accessories play a pivotal role in the collection, with statement necklaces and platform shoes adding a futuristic touch. These pieces don’t just complete an outfit; they transform it. It’s a reminder that the right accessories can make or break a look.

As seasons transition, Van Assche’s designs offer practical yet stylish solutions. His patinated leather bomber jacket, for instance, provides warmth without sacrificing elegance. Paired with a degrade wool bucket hat, it’s a perfect combination for unpredictable weather.

The modular trench coat is another highlight, designed to be a year-round staple. Its on-trend check pattern and weatherproof features make it as functional as it is fashionable. Whether paired with a T-shirt or knitwear, it’s a piece that adapts effortlessly to changing conditions.

Van Assche’s collection also includes a painterly two-piece suit that’s both low-key and chic. Its muted shades offer versatility, while its Parisian-inspired design exudes effortless sophistication. It’s an outfit that transitions seamlessly from the sofa to the office.

“Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a dialogue with the world around us. This collection invites us to step boldly into that conversation, redefining elegance and individuality in the process.” – Kris Van Assche.

Behind the scenes, an impressive team brought this vision to life. Artistic direction was helmed by Van Assche, with video direction by Olivier Casamayou and choreography by Etienne Russo. Every element, from sound design to makeup, was meticulously curated to enhance the overall experience.

The virtual show itself was a masterclass in blending fashion with multimedia storytelling. Set against a minimalist backdrop, models moved with choreographed precision, emphasizing the fluidity of the garments. It was as much a performance as it was a presentation.

The use of music played a significant role in setting the tone. Tracks like “Behind the Wheel” by Martin Gore added an emotional depth to the show. It’s a reminder of how sound can elevate visual storytelling.

Courtesy of Raf Simons.

Collaboration was key to the success of this collection. Creative consultant Yoann Lemoine’s influence is evident in the artistic choices, while Antoine Asseraf’s video direction added a cinematic quality. It’s a testament to the power of teamwork in bringing bold ideas to life.

The collection also challenges traditional notions of gender in fashion. The fluidity of the designs allows them to be worn by anyone, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. It’s a step toward a more progressive, open-minded industry.

Sustainability was another focus, with many pieces designed for longevity and adaptability. These aren’t throwaway trends but investment pieces that can be styled in countless ways. It’s a nod to the growing importance of conscious consumerism.

Courtesy of Raf Simons.

Van Assche’s work is a celebration of individuality. Each piece encourages wearers to express themselves unapologetically. It’s fashion that empowers and inspires.

As we navigate a rapidly changing world, this collection serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and design. It challenges us to think differently about what we wear and why we wear it.

More than just a showcase of garments, Van Assche’s collection is a testament to how fashion can tell stories, evoke emotions, and create connections. It’s a bridge between art and practicality, blurring the lines in the most compelling way.

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Paul Gore

Posted
January 21, 2021

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Paul Gore

August 9, 2018

Raf Simons’ Archive Redux collection is here. Celebrating 25 years of the designer’s cult label, the highly-anticipated release – which was announced last summer and arrives on Matches Fashion tomorrow – sees Simons re-issue 100 pieces from the brand’s hallowed archives, offering a new generation of devotees the the chance to own a piece of fashion history. Arriving in the wake of the designer’s menswear debut as Prada’s co-creative director, Archive Redux features a slew of seminal pieces painstakingly selected from the past quarter of a century, including a hand-painted parka from A/W04, the black blazer from S/S99, the jumbo jumpers of A/W16, and pieces from his A/W14 Sterling Ruby collaboration.

Photography by Paul Gore.

“It was not so easy to decide,” Simons tells Matches Fashion’s creative director Simon Chilvers of the selection process, in an interview which will go live on the luxury retailer’s website tomorrow. “Was it emotional? Maybe in certain moments, because it is very much connected to memories. We hang out in the archives sometimes … but this time we were dissecting everything which was interesting. There were things that I was like, ‘We made that?’” Such is the cult appeal of Simons’ label, it has attracted a devoted following since its advent in 1995. And it’s this community – its younger members in particular – that played an important part in his decision to create this collection. “I had a lot of reactions from young people who wanted pieces, and who weren’t even born when we were making certain pieces!” he says.

Photography by Paul Gore.

The past 12 months have been particularly momentous for Simons, who not only celebrated 25 years of his label, but also launched an official womenswear line and was, last February, appointed co-creative director of Prada, where he debuted his first menswear collection last week. The Redux collection is yet another exciting endeavour from this period and a reminder of Simons’ immeasurable contribution to men’s fashion. Raf Simons Archive Redux is available from January 22 at MATCHESFASHION.

By & Large Design Film Philosophy Photography Raf Simons Unique Perspectives

Underlined

Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

Luke: Loving, Honorable, Nasty, Happy, Sad…. Okay, let’s see what else is there?

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester.Casting by Andre’ Adkins.