Raf Simons' swan song collection for Jil Sander saw minimal, ladylike designs in blush tones, navy, red and black. It was a beautiful adieu to Simons' accomplished seven year turn as creative director. Jil Sander announced her return to her namesake label which was, perhaps unbeknownst to style.com's reviewer Tim Blanks when he said, "Good luck to his successor. She'll need it".
style.com
The collection is reminiscent of the '40s, but expertly modernized as only Raf Simons can do. Gingham and paisley were updated in bright fluros, cuts were precise and ladylike with many a tea-length skirt, both pencil and circle. My favorite look (and quite possibly of all spring 2012 collections thus far) was a 3/4 sleeve intarsia sweater of a bold Picasso print worn over a voluminous ankle length skirt. The finale looks were simple, tailored-to-perfection bridal gowns I would gladly sport on my wedding day. I'm glad that the rumors of Raf exiting Jil to take the reigns at YSL were untrue; what would the house do without his genius?
