Born Neerpelt, Belgium in 1968.Graduates in Industrial Design and Furniture Design in 1991 and starts working as a furniture designer for galleries and private interiors. Before this, Raf Simons interned at the design studio of Walter Van Beirendonck, working on the presentation and decoration of the Van Beirendonck showrooms and collections. In a radical change of profession, hereby encouraged by Linda Loppa, head of the Fashion Department of the Antwerp Royal Academy, he becomes a self-trained menswear designer in 1995 and launches his Raf Simons label.
Designs the menswear outfits for Ruffo Research (Spring-Summer 1999 and Autumn-Winter 1999-2000).
In March 2000, Raf Simons shuts down his company to take a sabbatical. Since his label has been growing more and more successful, he feels restricted and confined by the business side of fashion. In order to re-energise his reason to work, he announces he will quit from fashion and take time to consider new directions. Only after being approached by and offered a new co-operation deal with Belgian manufacturer Gysemans Clothing Industry, he takes up fashion once more in 2001, now with a smaller crew of collaborators. Appointed head professor of the Fashion Department of the University of Applied Arts, Vienna, Austria in October 2000. Until June 2005.
Wins first prize Swiss Textiles Award, Lucerne, Switzerland in November 2003.
Restructures his company in October 2004, with a distribution deal with Futurenet (Europe and USA) and Mitsui (Asia), followed by a license agreement with Futurepresent (joint-venture of Futurenet and Mitsui Italia).
Launches new line Raf by Raf Simons in June 2005.
Presents ‘Raf Simons Redux’, a book by Peter De Potter and Raf Simons (published by Charta/Fondazione Pitti Discovery) coinciding with his label’s 10th anniversary. ‘Raf Simons 1995-2005’, a fashion/art event at the Giardini di Boboli in Florence, Italy (initiated and produced by the Fondazione Pitti Discovery, June 2005) equally celebrates his first decade in fashion.
Named Creative Director of Jil Sander (menswear and womenswear) in July 2005. Ongoing.
Opens 2 flagship stores in Japan (Sept. 2008). One store is located in Tokyo and has an interior conceptualized and designed by American artist Sterling Ruby. The second store opens in Osaka, with a concept/design by British artist Roger Hiorns ( nominee for this year turner prize ) .
Expands his collections with bags, leather goods, footwear and eyewear (since 2008, in collaboration with Linda Farrow). Collaborates with Eastpak on a range of backpacks and bags.
Devellops a seasonal special edition collection for Fred Perry (since 2008, ongoing).
Lives and works in Antwerp, Belgium.