The larger scope of fashion has always been about embracing contradictions and differences, learning from polar opposites how to create a whole. That is the idea that Raf Simons employs in their Autumn/Winter 2021/22 collection, creating clothes and accessories that thrive from this concept.

There are six words that Simons used to describe their collection – Ataraxia (which means “emotional tranquility), equanimity, synchronicity, dichotomy, allegiance, and devotion. Of those words, “dichotomy” and “devotion” hold particularly true. The clothes maintain a devotion to particular set styles, being largely shapeless, oversized, flowy, unconventional silhouettes, the kind that feel like the wearer is engulfed by the warm embrace of the fabric.

At the same time, one can never tell what they expect to come out of the collection. A common theme is the layering of more muted and darker shades of black, beige, and brown over poppier colors like canary yellow, bright pink, bottle green, and deep red. Particular stand out ensembles take more semi-formal approaches to layering, featuring mixes of grey, black, and red in sweater, blazer, and slacks combos.

“Fabrications, colours and silhouettes combine notions of couture with youth culture, a process of elevation and respect,” is how Simons describes their collection. The runway show, shot in the dark C-Mine, Genk of Belgium, soundtracked by industrial house and techno pop offers another contrast to the brighter, more modern aesthetic that the collection strives for. 

It’s the individual’s appeal towards each item of clothing that dictates how they resonate with the incredibly diverse collection, ensuring that each person walks away from it with at least one item of clothing having made an impression in their mind. 

The collection and runway show are available on the Raf Simons website.