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FW96 “Pop Army” Sweater
Raf Simons FW96(?) "Pop Army" Sweater. Possibly on of the first graphics Raf has ever designed, features 3 patches on left arm with a strong possibility influencing the recent SS16 collection 20 years later. FW96 campaign established a foundation for Raf's classic and sartorial vibe up to the 2000's. This is also the season which the signature "R" turtleneck was born. The video for the campaign consisted of rich adolescents hanging out playing Donkey Kong and smoking an unfathomable amount of cigarettes after their parents' party. A start for Raf Simons capturing the angst and turmoil surrounding adolescents or the "Fourth Sex". 9/10 condition. Size 46, fits an xs-s.$610$500 -
SS09 Christopher Wool Leonard Cohen Towel
Raf Simons SS09 "Christopher Wool" Typographic 72" x 38" Towel. Raf starts the drawing board with a foundation of an artist's ethos once again. The low key SS09 collection featured typographic designs on vests, shirts, pullovers with American artist "Christopher Wool"-like art. Some of the designs featured embroidery with unfinished hems and strings falling from the fabric. Assuming from the runway, Raf seems to be taken by Christopher Wool's impactful word play such as his piece "Apocalypse Now" which stated "Sell the house. Sell the Car. Sell the kids.". Raf conjoined the style and simply applied youthful axioms, motifs, lyrics and mottos blown up on garments. From this collection came out a limited quantity of towels in 3 styles. This model features the words "There Is a Crack in Everything, That’s How the Light Gets In" which are lyrics from celebrated artist Leonard Cohen's "Anthem". 7/10 condition. Some pulling and scruffs on towel, but overall displayable condition.$450 -
SS05 “History of the World” Denim Blouson w/ Extended Arms
Raf Simons SS05 Washed Denim Blouson w/ Extended Arms. "History of The World" was the title of the season followed by the iconic "History of My World" released in the following fall. At this point in time Simons shifted his focus from attitudes and slogans to undergoing a bold reshaping of menswear. Collection focuses on modern, suave, early 70's german futurist cuts. This allows Raf to express his tailoring prowess and breath something new, but familiar to menswear, with some looks bordering near the sartorial. Silhouettes were precisely lean at top and wide at bottom, as with many seasons following until 2008 or so. There's no doubt that Raf Simons shaped all facets, including his underrated later era of tailoring, of menswear. Mid section sits on waist. Long arms that are meant to go past wrists. Zip pockets. Arm flap pocket on left arm. 8.5/10 condition. Size 52 and fits true.$585 -
FW08 Rothko Block Sweater
Raf Simons Fw2008 "Rothko" Block Turtleneck Sweater in the original runway orange base colourway. Raf's deep roots with artists lead his many creations to play homage to artistic works and pieces, old and new. This piece is a tribute to abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. With a few colour blocks, layers and layers of paint, and the careful transitioning between said colours Rothko was able to convey a deep, cerebral, emotional expression through his work, which Raf captured so finely by applying Rothko works on a delicate and soft mohair blend weave. FW08 Raf focused on intricate and complex melange fabrics including mohair mixed fabric, spun wool, hessian blends and layered tweeds. This piece is no exception, with close inspection the fabric is incredibly intricate with a diverse range of colours. From afar to a viewer, this effect allows for more deep, vibrant colours as the dynamic range of colours bloom in light. 9/10 condition. Size 46, long sleeves slim body, can fit a slim m or s.$295 -
FW02 “Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)” Long Sleeve
Raf Simons FW02 "Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)" Long Sleeve Pullover. Highly sought after and one of Raf's most celebrated collections. Just as we did with SS03 Consumed, the following will deconstruct, to our best ability, an interpretation of this season in attempt to bring weight to the collection's merits and hopefully convey its aesthetic value. This is especially relevant due to the amount of interest surrounding older Raf Simons collections. Virginia Creeper is a vine flowering plant in the grape family, known under the scientific name of "Parthenocissus Quinquefolia" or "virgin ivy", is commonly found in midwest to east coast United States on bricks, gutters and other vine adhering urban objects. Raf Simons used this plant as a mascot for the "Virginia Creeper" collection as a symbol for the duality of nature or as Hapsical puts it: "The implication was clear: at a time of global crisis, mankind cannot even find safety in nature, which remains as powerful a force as ever, despite the spread of industrialisation and capitalism." Furthermore this motif was applied on college sweats and varsity bombers as Raf showed a fascination with American college/highschool apparel. The runway featured a setting inside a forrest with a crimson key light which established an ominous tone. Out came models layered in baggy puffer jackets, sweats, bondage straps, ponchos in muddy, earthy tones. For this piece "Virginia Creeper" is arced over a bush of five-fingered vines with the scientific name written beneath the graphic. The acid treatment of this fabric will wear and tear at an accelerated rate in accordance to the theme of the FW02 collection, making each piece uniquely molded to the wearer(s). 9/10 condition. Pristine. Size 48 fits a medium well.$1,455 -
SS03 “Consumed” Grey Cutout Hooded Sweater
SS03 "Consumed" by Raf Simons Cut Out Hoodie. SS03 "Consumed" is Raf's quiet observation of consumerism, or to be "consumed" by consumerism -- Its effects on youth and their evenhanded interaction with such capitalistic identities and the study of how it molds adolescent identities. Featuring "New Kids,Inc" print on chest, also inked on bare top runway models. Cutouts along back, shoulder, tied together at fragile ends that allow for some interesting layering. Raw hems and extended arms. Oversized silhouette. 9/10 condition. Size 46 but can fit and S-L depending on fit$875 -
FW01 “Riot Riot Riot” Heavy Waxed Pants
FW01 "Riot Riot Riot" Waxed Pants. "Riot Riot Riot" is a hard turn for Raf Simons which laid down fresh foundations for his new designs that sought to stray away from the lanky and slim lined classic wear to layers, band imagery, music references and capturing attitudes and lifestyles. The entire collection was rather unwieldy and was heavily influenced by eastern european style which relied on heavy layering during colder days. Garments that represented protest, "riots", turmoil like balaclavas, bombers, wrapped chains and face masks were reappropriated and meshed into extravagant bulky fits. These wax pants have a short factory inseam. The wax is extremely heavy and embedded into the fabric. The fabric itself feels almost like duct tape. 7.5/10 condition. Wax creasing, erosion and inevitable wear. Size 48, fits a 30.$210 -
SS03 “Consumed” White Tank
“Today’s living environment is about consuming as well as being consumed; some suggest this could lead to an apocalyptic end, while others, particularly younger generations, take this reality as their cue to create new, more viable and flexible personas.” - Raf Simons Show Notes. Raf Simons SS03 "Consumed" Tank in the white colourway. SS03 is one of Raf's more well received collections by the "graphics" type of Raf collectors and possibly the most iconic. As the passage from the show notes above states, this is Raf's introspective dive into his interpretation of consumerism and identity with younger generations. Slapped on the tank is the 'consumed' graphic which was inked on the chests of some of the runway models with familiar commercial logos. This is a much looser tank compared to his more common ultraslim fitted tanks. 8/10 condition. Size 48 and fits true, slightly loose. Fits an L fitted.$352 -
RS x Sterling Ruby Paint Splattered Pants (Cobalt)
Raf Simons x Sterling Ruby paint-splattered denim in white over cobalt. Sterling Ruby and Raf collaborated for a second time to produce an entire slew of pieces that are a lot more consumer friendly compared to the 2010 counterparts. These pants feature a vibrant cobalt painted over with freehand splotching of white. Signature leather "Raf Patch" on back which reads "RS SR" instead of just "RS". Slim fit. 8.5/10 condition. Mild scratches on leather patch. Size 44 fits 28-28.5$615 -
08 MIT Velcro Multi-Coloured High Top
Raf Simons Velcro Strap High Top. This is the "Made in Italy" version from the late 00's. Compared to the Portugal made recent models, these have arguably softer leather, slightly slimmer profile, sturdier and more forgiving sizing. White with black trimming. Emerald and navy straps. "R" Raf Simons logo on pull tab. Margom sole. This model, along side the Low top, Astronaut and the legendary Vandal were cycled in different styles throughout the mid to late 2000's. 8/10 condition. Creasing and scuffs. Siz 41 can fit 8 - 8.5.$245