In a shock Instagram post, last night Raf Simons announced that his eponymous label was to close after 27 years.

“The Spring/Summer 2023 collection is the conclusion of an extraordinary 27 year journey and the final season of the Raf Simons fashion brand,” read the post in reference to the designer’s recent SS23 collection shown in London nightclub Printworks. “I lack the words to share how proud I am of all that we have achieved… Thank you all, for believing in our vision and for believing in me.” The Belgian designer ended on, “Forward always, Raf.”

Having launched his namesake label in 1995, Simons’ fascination with youth culture, music and dark fantasy was drawn out in slim, minimalist silhouettes that distorted the norm, soundtracked by the likes of post-punk Manchester and Belgian gabba rave. This resonated with the self-diagnosed ‘outsider’, those turned off by the muscle-bound, jock stereotype previously pitched by the menswear fashion world. Holding roles at Jil Sander, Dior and Calvin Klein, Simons is currently co-creative director at Prada alongside Miuccia Prada – a role he will continue.

While it seems that the Raf Simons label may be gone forever, the designer himself is sure to have a lot more in the tank.