Raf Simons is closing his eponymous brand after 27 years.

Belgian designer announced the news on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, via a brief statement on Instagram that the label's spring/summer 2023 collection will be its last, putting an end to his growing path started in 1995.

“I lack the words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved", he wrote. "I am grateful for the incredible support from my team, from my collaborators, from the press and buyers, from my friends and family, and from our devoted fans and loyal followers. Thank you all, for believing in our vision and for believing in me.” The rumors say that the decision is attributed to the turbulent financial market the fashion industry faces. And it is also said that Simons wants to focus fully on his co-creative director role at Prada, the Miuccia Prada's Italian brand.

Raf Simons interned at the design studio of Walter Van Beirendonck, graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. He worked for the greatest fashion companies, from Jil Sander to Dior, Calvin Klein, before taking on his current role of co-creative director at Prada. His menswear brand was based in Antwerp, in a little atelier in which Simons studied, together with few collaborators, his creations celebrating youth culture and focusing on minimalist silhouettes.

In 2017, he was named both Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work at Calvin Klein, and Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council.

His last collection was presented at London’s nightclub venue, Printworks, an industrial rave venue in south east London. The designer postponed his show last month due to the national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, and presented his spring 2023 collection during Frieze London.

Photo: Raf Simons SS22