Did Raf Simons Drop Dior Hints at his last Jil Sander Show?

That scallywag, Raf, was all "Oh gee, I don't know... what am I gonna do" back in February, but if you look closely at his final Jil Sander offering he was winking at his new creative post all along!

(Keep in mind these are Fall looks. The colors and light femininity alone scream DIOR) 

One of the things that made Christian Dior radical in his time was his brazen disregard for post-war Europe's supply shortage

M. Dior favored outre, voluminous designs that flaunted lush taste and style in the face of conservative and pensive gravity

And of course, this new direction, this "New Look" was also defined by the nipped waist and full skirt pairing that accentuated a woman's divine form























I may have always been a little dubious of Mr Simons filling this grand courtier's shoes, but for the subtle cheek it took to elude to his new home, I tip my hat at you sir and await your creations for this storied fashion house.

It Can't All Be Dior's Birthday Present #2

Gaultier in at Dior.






No one is even throwing his name around and with today's news of Raf Simon's departure at Jil Sander, his rumored appointment seems inevitable now.



While Raf's stark, modern minimalism would definitely be interesting to see play out at a house long known for over the top ruffles and trim, my heart is still pining for Gaultier. He truly gets the the drama and artistic femininity of the brand and would create confections women would swoon over














My hopes are not high, but hell, didn't I just ask for Ryan Gosling?


Clearly reality is loose on this list.

Doin' It: Intarsia Dinosaur Sweater

For now Raf Simons hasn't leapt from his creative director of Jil Sander position but he's still making news with his Fall 2012 menswear collection featuring sweaters with critters like...

Brontosaurus! 

Oh Mr Porter: Jil Sander Spring Suggestions

(Grey, navy and pink striped ribbed cuff t-shirt, Jil Sander, $395 at www.mrporter.com)

An email came my way today labelled "Essential Jil Sander". 'Essential' has become one of those oft-used words now regulated to hyperbole purgatory, just flapping around without meaning or direction.

But this time, the essentials are truly divine inspirations

(Teal cotton blend tab front slim pants, Jil Sander, $595 at www.mrporter.com)

Need these crisp pants in this refreshing burst of mint. What a wake up for my Winter weary wardrobe.

(Wool/mohair single breasted blazer with pocket trim, Jil Sander, $1,475 at www.mrporter.com)

Slightly Michael Jackson late stage when he didn't realize the Cold War was over, but I'd pair it down with rolled leg, torn knee khakis and a red gingham shirt for work or weekend.

(Large green and blue flower print cotton t-shirt, Jil Sander, $395 at www.mrporter.com)

Well I flipped for this when first spotted back on the Spring runway. Now I have true faith in the New Order album cover art style especially the t-shirt styled with a jacket as shown on the site

(Alexander McQueen jacket, Bottega Veneta jeans and A.P.C. shoes)

With those prices, though, I'd better get on the freelance grind!

Reoccurring Lust: Rebel Without a Cause Jacket

Like many a confused young boy, I was drawn to James Dean. Sure you could argue that it was that usual teen angst bullshit but it had a lot more to do with they way he could fill out a jacket. A red little jacket that is and its become indelible image of classic and cool Americana in my mind ever since

(efforts on my behalf to replicate that Rebel style)

I am on a continual hunt for the perfect specimen of little red jacket; the balance of structure and intrinsic informality is not as easy as it looks. I have a few in my closet that have lost the trial and am now accepting applications.

Perhaps this little red Burberry Brit jacket is due for a spin? 

I love the contrast cuffs and waist and a funnel neck is something I can really get behind, although the windbreaker style is more weather appropriate since we're on the precipice of Spring as I write

And just witness the versatility. Zipped up the look is Jil Sander sleek, unzipped the personification of sportswear and weekend. 

The lust continues!

("Bradford Pack Away" jacket, Burberry Brit, $172.80 on sale at Matches, www.matchesfashion.com)

Orange Marma-lads

Fellas, after a dramatic love affair during women's Spring 2011, fashion's still got an Orange crush

(Burberry Prorsum)

(Bottega Veneta)

(Ermenegildo Zegna)

(Mugler)

(Alexander McQueen)

(Costume National)

(Kenzo)

(Henrik Vibskov)

(Louis Vuitton)

(Jil Sander)

(Walter Van Beirendonck)