I ❤NY: Raf Simons Pays Homage to Big Apple in First Stateside Collection

Raf Simons, the fashion industry’s designer crush, just showed his men’s collection in NYFW: Men’s, and it was a love letter to his new home town, New York City.

The Belgian designer’s much-anticipated move to NYC, for his new job as chief creative officer at Calvin Klein, has been buzzed about for months, as fashion insiders wait with bated breath to see his first collection for the house, debuting in two weeks at New York Fashion Week.

But on Wednesday night, we were given a glimpse of what’s to come.

Simons homage to the Big Apple was paid in the way of sweaters, T-shirts and gaffe tape (yes, gaffe tape!) with the iconic “I ❤NY,” “Have a Nice Day,” and “Thank You” slogans emblazoned across them.

Long coats held together with gaffe tape, arm warmers, and beaded silver necklaces made up the bulk of the collection, and while exiting, whispers were heard from editors wondering if the tape was just for show or if it was actually going to be included with the coat when requested for shoots and at retail.

In short: Will Raf Simons’s gaffe tape be the hottest accessory to come out of men’s fashion week?

All the major fashion folks came out to pay their respect to Simons: Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Joseph Altuzarra, Jack and Lazaro from Proenza Schouler, and fashion’s favorite rapper, A$AP Rocky, were all there to see what this Belgian genius had in store for his American debut.

Judging from the reviews on social media immediately following, methinks it’s a winner!

Related: Raf Simons to Show a Special Collection in Italy
Related: Raf Simons, Meet Calvin Klein — What the Legendary Belgian Designer Means for the Future of CK

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