Rumours that Raf Simons will be the man for Dior's top job have gathered pace today, following news that Simons is to leave his post as creative director at Jil Sander. "Jil Sander thanks Raf Simons for his dedicated commitment to the brand, throughout these years, and wishes him the very best for the future," the company said in a statement today. Simons joined Jil Sander in 2005, and Simons was first in the frame to take over from John Galliano at Dior in December last year.
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Scandal forced John Galliano out of the Dior almost a year ago, and we've lost count of how many designers have been tipped for the job, including the likes of Marc Jacobs, Phoebe Philo and Riccardo Tisci. But the rumours about Raf, which first started at the tail end of last year, were never denied - and his sudden departure from Jil Sander does make us wonder...
We spoke to the Dior press office earlier today were told that they are unable to comment, so we'll just have to sit tight.
And what of a replacement for Raf Simons' job at Jil Sander? There are unconfirmed rumours that Jil Sander will return to her fashion house for the second time since retiring from the company eight years ago.
Raf Simons will show his final collection for Jil Sander at Milan Fashion Week on Saturday.