In the midst of all the Paris Fashion Week menswear madness, Raf Simons has not only shown a new collection but released the campaign for his Autumn/ Winter 2018 collection. As expected, it’s dark. Well, yes, the collection did focus on heavy drug references such as Cookie Mueller and Glenn O’Brien’s 1980s play ‘Drugs’ as well as the 1981 film Christiane F. with drug names printed on knee caps and scarves in the collection. It was about addiction. As is the campaign. Look closely and under ever so slightly wilting bouquets – that lined the runway back in March amongst wine bottles – sit rolled-up dollar bills, baggies and filters. Not leaving much to the imagination. Simons had included the Christiane F. reference after being exposed to it during high school where they would discuss the book as part of the curriculum. Hardcore high schooling. Disconcertingly dark, the campaign is the closing chapter of Raf’s AW18 as we move full speed into the Spring/ Summer 2019 era. Don’t do drugs, kids.
