Raf Simons

Earlier this year, the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation contacted Raf Simons. They asked if he’d like to work with them on something. He said yes. That’s the shorthand version of the story behind the collection he presented at Pitti Immagine Uomo, perfectly chimed with a duo of Mapplethorpe exhibitions at LACMA and the Getty Museum, and the HBO documentary subtitled Look at the Pictures.

Boyd Gates lensed by Bruno Staub and styled by Ylias Nacer, for the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Vogue Hommes.

Sport Deluxe’ for Vogue Man Nederland. Photographer: Philippe Vogelenzang. Styling by Jos van Heel.

What Raf Simons has been doing with his fashion shows for the last two years now is fascinating. He’s been consistently chafing at the confines of the industry, challenging perceptions of his work.

Son of the Sun stunning work by Photographer Jang Hyun Hong for GQ Style Korea FW 15 modeling Xavier Serrano (Sight Management) Editor: Na Na Park & Woong Hee Yun and Grooming: So Yeon Lee.

The grim reaper madras hoodies worn by the male models on the raised Raf Simons catwalk definitely produced the desired effect. They obscured the models faces while they walked fast, and in packs, as they lugged over their shoulders long thick plastic chains hauling weighty bags behind them. It made for a disquieting and eerie mood.