SS05 “History of the World” Denim Blouson w/ Extended Arms

Raf Simons AW03  "Closer" Puffer Down Moto Jacket in a dark navy. Simons's "Closer" touches base with his roots to music, especially with Joy Division and New Order, with Raf's Peter Saville admiration spearheading the entire collection. Taken from the Mode Museum in Antwerp: "This season, Raf Simons was granted full access to the archives of Peter Saville. Raf Simons made a personal selection of Saville-designed works (some of them previously unseen) to integrate them into his collection. As a long-time admirer of Peter Saville, Raf Simons considers this a great honour, and therefore dedicates his collection to the man who put an unique spin on music culture. The collection itself focuses on traditional styles and fabrics, augmented by a mod influence. Linked to the aesthetics of Peter Saville, there are also touches of early Russian Constructivism, Bauhaus and vintage British looks. At the same time, the collection reflects on the process of growing up and (re)considering adulthood, citing references to childhood dress codes, formal business looks and ghetto rebellion." Cleanly executed crossover of a puffer jacket and moto jacket, which nods to two different functions and styles from two worlds and tailors them harmoniously together. Puffer jacket is structured as a moto jacket and sought to be fitted close to the chest. Multiple functional zip pockets. Snap button down lapels. Round and wide silhouette. Adjustable waist buckles. Arm pocket. High waisted. 8/10 condition. Right pocket is blown out and needs repair. Size 54, extremely rare size. Fits an XL-XXL.

"There are three reasons to come to Paris: Hedi Slimane of Dior, Tom Ford of Yves Saint Laurent and Helmut Lang. Actually, there is a fourth -- Raf Simons, who in a parking garage on Sunday night -- on a platform made of crushed soda cans -- superbly articulated how contemporary culture has become a thoughtless Pac-Man, gobbling up products as well as references. It's rare for a designer to make a political statement in fashion and still offer wearable clothes" -- Cathy Horyn 2002 Raf Simons SS03 "Consumed" Penelope Tree Shark Hoodie in blue over black. SS03 "Consumed" is Raf's quiet observation of consumerism, or to be "consumed" by consumerism -- Its effects on youth; Their impartial interaction with such commercial entities and the molding of adolescent identities rooting from the collective indifference towards the squandering influence of commercial identities. This is the iconic and highly sought after hooded sweatshirt featuring Penelope Tree, from Truman Capote's Black & White ball, and Steven Spielberg's mechanical shark from Jaws in the backdrop, with "Diamond Co-Opted" written underneath the kangaroo pocket. The Penelope Tree print featured here on the hoodie derives from a picture which served as a pivotal point in fashion, youth culture and high society America. The original black and white picture has beanpole figured Tree staring dauntingly out in the distance from amongst a group of middle age socialites. This grabbed the attention of prominent figures of fashion and despite strong opposition from Penelope's father, as she was 16, Penelope Tree became the quintessential swinging sixties icon which galvanized female youth culture and movements at the time. Furthermore, inspired a generation of artists and designers to look at youth culture for inspiration and solidified the Youthquake movement. As for Raf Simons, and this is purely out of speculation, Penelope Tree holds a special place of interest as his source of inspiration will be and has been the youth.  

Raf Simons FW05 "History of My World" All Shadows Hoodie. Despite the runway being absent of the highly sought after graphics for this season, Simons looked to revisit his personal milestones in his past for the two part FW2005 collection. Raf's display to his connection to music is undoubtedly the primer to his most compelling garments. FW05 was one of the last displays of such meaning, departing from such endeavors and focusing more so on modernist, sleek cuts inspired by euro subcultures. Graphics throughout this season were labeled with cryptic lyrics from The Cure, graphics inspired by the 1982 film "Poltergeist", and even a few references to experimental musician John Cage. The hoodies, tees and sweaters were massive and overwhelming, patched with what looks like a collage of Raf's personal visual displays, with the help of peter de potter, of his inspirations and nostalgia. Just like the old days Caressing an old man And painting a lifeless face Just a piece of new meat in a clean room The soldiers close in under a yellow moon All shadows and deliverance Under a black flag A hundred years of blood Crimson   8/10 condition. Size 46, fits massive.