”Dior and I” ”Raf Simons and I”

Essay Writing2 補講課題 英語本科上級英語専攻 Sonomi Nishihira 20220619

First of all I was very surprised that he allowed to film this documentary.
I actually met Raf Simons back when I was a high school freshman, and it was a life-changing
moment for me. I first discovered Raf Simons through Dust Magazine, which often featured
photographs by various photographers, most especially Belgian photographer Willy Van Den Veer,
And Willi is an old friend of Raf, and their sensibilities are very similar.
I got to know Raf through Willie's photographs, and Raf's way of speaking, designing give me
the impression that he is very sensitive like the veins of a leaf. He is also a very perfectionist and
nervous.
His designs are often described as minimalist, but his designs are too delicate, innovative,
eccentric, and sharp to be described as minimalist. I think some people misunderstrood but he's
design is very deep.
I love how balance between the pure, edgy, and subtle darkness. The film is a behind-the-scenes
documentary that takes behind the scenes of Raf's first job as art director of a traditional Maison,
Christiane Dior.
The film often shows the similarities between the then 47-year-old Simmons and the now
legendary Christian Dior.
Both men prefer the quiet company of a few trusted friends. They both think a lot about their
personalities they pretend to others and who they really are. And they both worry about dealing
with the media.
Christian Dior has long been known for its feminine designs, so it was a challenge for Simmons,
who favors sharp, simplified silhouettes.
Simons also had to respect the traditions of the Maison, but also blend his own style and bring
them within the field of haute couture.
He also had to take care of the balance between art and business, and profitability.
Dior is under the umbrella of LVMH, and several times in the film, he was planning his shows
carefully considering the president's opinion.
Therefore, he had to express his creativity under pressure from the people around him as a new
designer, pressure from his own personality, and pressure to make the brand profitable, a
situation that ordinary people would not be able to handle.
He brought a minimalist style to Dior, creating modern collections that respected the rich history
of the Maison.
I actually cried when I saw his show on film because it was so beautiful.
His sharp sensibility was transformed into warm, feminine designs that were more humanized
by haute couture.
The collection shown on the film is very beautiful, but HIs last designs for Jil Sander were also
very impressive. There has never been a more beautiful collection than that one. If you have a
time I would you like to take a look. (I cried when I saw it too.)
What is most interesting about the film is the contrast between Simons's creative process and
the traditions of the atelier.
The film shows the skilled ateliers of Dior struggling to bring Simons' vision to reality.
Some of the ateliers had worked there for over 40 years and had worked with the now deceased
Christian Dior.
The passion and skill they put into their clothes added depth to his collections and transformed
them into something more interesting.
He had never designed for an haute couture brand before and there were several times in the
film where he was confused about how to deal with the people in the atelier, but his close friend
and right-hand man, Peter, was the bridge between the two and led the collection to success.

He gets too nervous right before the show and goes to the rooftop alone.
He couldn't handle the pressure he was carrying and cried. I thought that he was cute when he
cried, even though it was inappropriate to feel that way.
I thought no one could have prepared better for the new collection at Christian Dior than he
did. I was also surprised to see that even someone as talented as him, who has been highly
evaluated, sometimes loses confidence in his own work.
He brings a unique perspective to the iconic brand Dior, creating modern, innovative pieces that
respect the Maison's rich history.
He has a very sensitive sense. He is also perfectionist, never compromising, and a bit nervous,
and I love that about him.
He is a bit like me, and his designs connect with my deepest inner feelings.
He is the reason why I became interested in fashion and someone I'll admire for all my life.
He has been the designer of his own brand, "Raf Simons," since 1995, but he ended his 25-year
career with the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which was published in October.
I was deeply depressed that I would no longer be able to see his style on clothes, and I wished
I had bought something from him.
He doesn't get much media exposure. So I can only imagine his personality in my mind through
his few interviews and his works, but even that process gives me pleasure. It is the same feeling
meeting my best old friend of many years, and following his work is the same as finding the
answer to who I am.