Raf Simons is going for post-modernity in his new role at the helm of Christian Dior and David Beckham will make fashion history by being the first male to grace the cover of ELLE magazine without the company of a woman.
The Belgian sartorialist, who was recently named as John Galliano’s successor at the French fashion house, says he will mine the Dior archives for inspiration but place his personal stamp on the collections.
He told the New York Times, ”My aim is a very modern Dior, but at the end of the day, I also look back.
”I find that period between 1947 and 1957 extremely attractive, and there was a lot of modernity. There was the romantic appeal looking back to his mother and the belle epoque, but there was also a constant evolution in shape, changing proportions and the ideas connected to the World War were revolutionary.”
Simons – who previously held the post of creative director at Jil Sander – said he was thrilled to be given the top job at Dior as he has always been an admirer of the company.
The designer said, ”It is with the utmost respect for its tremendous history, its unparalleled knowledge and craftsmanship that I am joining the magnificent house of Dior. Mr Christian Dior has always been for me the most inspiring couturier. Around the globe, the name Dior symbolises the ultimate in elegance and refinement. I am truly humbled and honoured to become artistic director of the most celebrated French house in the world.”
David Beckham is a fitting face for the July cover of the UK ELLE magazine, as the issue is dedicated to the London Olympics Games 2012.
The soccer super star – whose wife is former Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham – is to be the first solo male face of the magazine.
David said, ”ELLE is a prestigious magazine with international recognition. I’m honored to be asked to be the first ever solo male fashion cover.”
While ELLE has had men grace the cover in the past, they have always been in the presence of a woman. Liam Gallagher appeared with his wife Nicole Appleton in the January 2001 edition, and Kate Moss posed with Paul Weller in February 1997.
Remarking on this milestone, the publication’s Editor-in-Chief Lorraine Candy said, ”David Beckham is a national hero, so we saw an opportunity to shoot a celebratory cover to support an historical and patriotic year.
”He is an icon and ELLE is known for featuring icons on its cover. This is a first for us on the newsstand and I believe he is loved by men and women alike.
”Anyway, who doesn’t want to see a picture of one of the world’s most handsome men on the front cover of a magazine? It will be a collector’s issue.”
We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy!
