Top image: Backstage at Raf Simons SS15

Breaking news: Raf Simons will be presenting a womenswear collection under his eponymous label for the first time in the label’s history. Set to present the collection alongside his SS21 menswear offering, the Belgian designer has announced that the show will take place on October 23rd with the exact format to be announced at a later date.

A major moment for Simons, since founding his label in 1995, the designer has only offered menswear, cementing its status as one of the most established menswear brands in the industry. And while his pieces often appeal to more than just guys – like those FW17 oversized, distressed varsity knits that were worn by just about everyone – a womenswear counterpart was only ever rumoured. Until now.

However this isn’t Simons first time designing for women, he’s previously held roles at the head of Dior womenswear and at Calvin Klein. And who can forget, Simons recently joined Prada as co-creative director (watch out for that this season), perhaps he’s had a surge of inspiration from Ms. Prada – we wouldn’t doubt it.

Raf Simons SS21 will take place on 23rd October.