Raf Simons has been co-creative director of an Italian luxury house since April 2020, working alongside its longtime designer. As of October 2026, recent coverage shows him still in that role.
He no longer runs his own label. That ended in 2022. Here is what that means for what he designs today and for what you can buy.
The Short Answer: One House, Shared Leadership
Right now, his main design work happens at one Italian luxury house. He shares creative control with the house's long-time designer instead of working alone.
That setup is unusual. Most houses give one person the final word. Here, two designers with strong and different instincts sign off on collections together.
Recent coverage backs this up. Credits for 2026 include runway shows and advertising campaigns tied to the house, with listings running through the summer.
How a Co-Creative Director Role Works
The title confuses people, so here is the plain version.
Two voices, one collection: Both designers shape the menswear and womenswear lines.
Shared shows: They present the runway together, and the work is credited to both.
Different strengths: He is known for youth culture references and sharp, structured shapes. His partner is known for intellectual, sometimes awkward-on-purpose womenswear.
The result is clothing that mixes his graphic, subculture-driven eye with her more offbeat taste. Fans of his older work often spot his hand in the proportions and the layering.
What Happened to His Own Label
This is the part many searchers miss. After 27 years of creating under his own name, he chose to shut the label in 2022.
The label began in 1995 in Antwerp. It built a loyal following through menswear that treated teenage bedrooms, music and club flyers as serious design material.
What this means for you:
No new releases: Nothing new is coming from that label.
Existing pieces are finite: What exists is what was already made.
Resale drives the market: Prices follow condition, season and scarcity.
That closure is a big reason archive interest keeps growing.
Where His Earlier Jobs Fit
He has led several houses, which is why searches for his name show mixed results. Here is a quick map.
A German minimalist house: He ran womenswear there from 2005 until early 2012.
A French couture house: He was creative director from 2012 to late 2015.
An American fashion house: He took the chief creative role in 2016 and left in 2018.
His own label: From 1995 until the 2022 closure.
Each stage has different tags, different price points and different collector demand. If you are shopping, always check which house a piece actually came from.
What This Means for a Raf Simons Hoodie Buyer
You want warmth and style, so here is the practical angle.
A raf simons hoodie from his own label is a closed chapter. That makes documented pieces more interesting to collectors. It also means fakes are common, since demand outruns supply.
Before you pay, check these points:
Label line: Own label versus a house he led. They are different products.
Season: Match it to runway or lookbook images.
Fabric weight: Dense, fleece-backed jersey holds heat better.
Ribbing and hood: Cuffs should snap back and the hood should keep its shape.
Ask for tag, seam and print close-ups. A seller who can't provide them isn't worth your money.
Raf Simons T-Shirt or Hoodie: Which First?
If you are new to his work, the choice comes down to budget and climate.
Hoodie | T-shirt | |
Warmth | Strong mid-layer | Light |
Cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
Best for | Cold months, statement piece | Layering, warmer climates |
A raf simons t-shirt is often a cheaper way to learn the label's sizing and print quality. Once you are comfortable, move up to a hoodie.
FAQ
Who does Raf Simons design for now?
He is co-creative director of an Italian luxury house, a role he has held since April 2020. He shares leadership with the house's long-time designer. Confirm his current title on the house's press page.
Does Raf Simons still have his own label?
No. He closed his own label in 2022 after 27 years. Existing pieces are all that remain, which is why archive items from that label are collected and priced by season and condition.
Is Raf Simons still at Calvin Klein?
No. He left the American house in December 2018 after about two years as chief creative officer. His current design work is at an Italian luxury house, where he has been co-creative director since 2020.
Are Raf Simons hoodies still being made?
Not under his own label, which closed in 2022. Any raf simons hoodie you find is a past-season piece from that label or from another house he led, so check provenance before buying.
Is a Raf Simons T-shirt a good first purchase?
Yes, for most buyers. It costs less than a hoodie and shows the label's graphic style and sizing. Tees are copied often, so verify tags, stitching and print quality before you pay.
Conclusion
The direct answer is simple. Raf simons designs today as co-creative director at an Italian luxury house, and his own label closed in 2022. That closure is why his older pieces keep rising in interest.
If you are buying, put proof first. Check the label line, match the season and inspect the build. Start with a raf simons t-shirt if you want a lower-risk entry, then move to a raf simons hoodie for warmth and a stronger statement.
