Raf Simons’ new textile collection with Kvadrat
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Raf Simons is certainly not your typical fashion designer. With a background in industrial design, a keen collector of 20th century furniture and ceramics, and a creative range that straddles haute couture for Christian Dior and his eponymous menswear line, Simons comes well-furnished to enter into a new interior textile partnership with Danish company Kvadrat, launching tonight in London - and featured in our March issue (W*180), with an exclusive interview by Alice Rawsthorn.
The idea for the tactile pairing first came to light when Simons was researching his A/W 2011 collection for Jil Sander. At the time the designer found his usual suppliers at a loss for the heavier weight fabrics, more reminiscent of upholstery textiles that he was seeking. 'I fell in love with those fabrics: the quality, the density, the colouration,' Simons recalls of his first Kvadrat encounter. 'At some point Kvadrat contacted me through Peter Saville, who I've known since way back and who works for them as an art director. We talked about the idea of my doing a kind of capsule collection. Bingo! I loved the idea.'
Flash forward to Simons' most recent menswear collection, shown last month in Paris, where the fashion world got a preview of his upcoming Kvadrat partnership. The A/W 2014 show, for which the designer collaborated with friend/American artist Sterling Ruby, featured a collaged coterie of overcoats - some showcasing striped patches of 70-plus variations of his flecked Kvadrat textiles.
The official unveiling of this first Kvadrat/Raf Simons collection will include both upholstery fabrics - which the designer describes as 'blank canvases' - and a select few finished products, from luxurious wool and cashmere 'Tronic' throws, to glossy mohair 'Pixie' blankets in saturated hues of royal blue, rich garden green and rose pink.
'The big question for me when designing for Kvadrat is: "Will I want to live with this for the next ten years?"' says Simons. 'People think more deeply about the things they live with in their homes. We want ours to last, so we didn't go wild, wild, wild. And we didn't want them to be too disconnected from what Kvadrat does already.'
Read our full interview with Raf Simons by Alice Rawsthorn in our March issue (W* 180), on sale now
The results are impeccably made and rich in colour and texture, yet stylistically subtle. Pictured is the 'Sonar 2' line
’Freeform’ sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra, upholstered in ’Vidar 2’.
The 'Refolo' sofa, designed by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina and upholstered in 'Sonar 2'.
When Simons unveiled his signature A/W 14 menswear collection - a collaboration with artist Sterling Ruby - some of the clothes were made from his Kvadrats fabrics, and others appliquéd with them
This look uses strips of Kvadrat's 'Sonar 2', 'Vidar 2' and 'Pilot'
The new mohair 'Argo' fabric
Samples of 'Sunniva 2', which comes in 24 colourways
Simons has used the strong, industrial tones that he favours at Dior, mixing dark colours with vivid shades of pink, red, yellow and green. The 'Pillar' collection is also made from mohair
'Herald 2' is made from 100% cotton and comes in 20 colourways
Glenn Sestig Architects created the retail units for Raf Simons' fabrics at Kvadrat
A detail of the cabinet shows the Raf Simons for Kvadrat identity, by Graphic Thought Facility with Peter Saville
'Advocate/Press' chair, designed by Pierre Jeanneret and upholstered in Kvadrat's 'Sonar 2'
Jack Moss is the Fashion Features Editor at Wallpaper*. Having previously held roles at 10, 10 Men and AnOther magazines, he joined the team in 2022. His work has a particular focus on the moments where fashion and style intersect with other creative disciplines – among them art and design – as well as championing a new generation of international talent and profiling the industry’s leading figures and brands.
-
Colin King ‘Arranging Things’ book is an essential read for interior design inspiration and wisdom
Colin King ‘Arranging Things’, a new book published by Rizzoli, is filled with exquisite interiors and useful advice on finding beauty in everyday environments
By Pei-Ru Keh • Published
-
Watches and Wonders behind the scenes: building the world’s biggest watch fair
Discover how Watches and Wonders 2023, the year’s biggest horological event, is designed and built
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
New Peugeot 408 crossover hybrid pushes sophistication and style
The Peugeot 408 is a pumped-up super-coupé, blending Gallic charm with perfect poise and everyday function
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Raf Simons to close eponymous label after 27 years
Announced in an Instagram post, Belgian designer Raf Simons – one of fashion’s most influential figures – says that his S/S 2023 collection will be his last
By Jack Moss • Last updated
-
Raf Simons joins Prada as co-creative director
The Belgian designer will join Miuccia Prada as co-creative director of the Italian label
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC and Sterling Ruby collaborate on the brand’s new Paris HQ
By Laura Hawkins • Last updated
-
Best in shows: our standouts of the spring/summer 2018 collections
Photography: Melaine + Ramon. Fashion: Isabelle Kountoure and Jérôme André. Writer: Laura Hawkins
By Jack Moss • Last updated
-
Tunnel vision: decked out in clashing checks and plaid, we’re dancing to a different beat
By Elly Parsons • Last updated
-
Reborn in the USA: Raf Simons unveils Sterling Ruby-designed Calvin Klein flagship
By Pei-Ru Keh • Last updated
-
A monumental Dior retrospective opens at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris
By Amy Verner • Last updated
-
So far, so good: Tsatsas and Kvadrat bags are textile treats
By Siska Lyssens • Last updated