In the winter issue of the German art and fashion magazine 032c, a large retrospective material dedicated to the work of Raf Simons has been published. In addition to archival materials and new shootings, the magazine has a long interview with the designer, in which he spoke frankly about fashion.
- If I could be completely anonymous, I would make just such a brand. But today it is simply impossible for me because of my work at Jil Sander and Dior. This is all very global and open, but this is not me as a person and these are not my brands. We do not advertise Raf Simons, we just supply clothes to our stores. I am very proud of this because I know that people do not come to us because of the press and advertising.
- I'm not particularly interested in technology, but I'm interested in people who are interested in them. I don’t really like technologies that speed up culture, I’m uncomfortable with them. When I think about how fast Tumblr images are being consumed, I realize it's not mine. This is neither bad nor good, I observe the behavior of people more than this phenomenon itself. And, of course, I am fascinated by the development of society, its evolution. But most of all I am interested in mysticism and romance, and also in things that are difficult to explain. When I think about some images, I am most attracted by the fact that through them someone is trying to say something. You have to investigate and eventually understand that there is more to it.
- It seems to me that fashion has made me not very patient and I hate myself for it. I am a long term thinker, I am not interested in the short term. When it comes to love, friendship, and other normal things in life, I feel like I'm sick. However, fashion does not know patience, this is an abnormal life. When I see friends who have nothing to do with fashion, and I try to discuss with them a collection of six months ago, they do not understand anything, because these things are no longer in stores. It is very strange.
- I have a feeling that lately designers who are in the same position as me are facing a lot of pressure. Gradually, they begin to dialogue with each other, we are all in a situation of competition. But I have a feeling that something is changing. I would not say that we care about each other, but we begin to open up to each other. This is further evidence of serious fear and uncertainty about how fashion will develop further.