Raf Simons Is Leaving Dior

Photo of Raf Simons from the documentary, 'Dior and I.'

After a well-received three-and-a-half years at Christian Dior, Raf Simons is calling it quits. According to WWD, the luxury brand described the split as amicable, citing the inability of both sides to agree upon a new employment contract.

"It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior's women's collection," the 47-year-old Belgian designer said in a statement. "It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book."

Simons last show was Dior's Spring 2016 collection on October 2 at the Louvre. A replacement has yet to be named, but a search is reportedly under way. Meanwhile, at this point in the game, Dior and Balenciaga should just pool their resources, hold a job fair and see who turns up.

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