Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImageRaf Simons is parting ways with Christian Dior.
The Belgian-born designer is exiting the celeb-adored brand after a three and a half years as creative director, making the Oct. 2 flower-filled, ready-to-wear presentation at Paris Fashion Week his last Dior runway.
"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," Simons 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, 47, has been lauded for upgrading Christian Dior's classic French aesthetic into an even more venerable appeal, adding subtle touches of modernity to the quintessential ladylike brand. Since coming onboard in April 2012, his gowns have been regulars on red carpets across the globe and held coveted spots on many a best dressed list.
His body of red carpet work includes Charlize Theron's stunning black mermaid gown from the 2013 Oscars, Marion Cotillard's perforated dress from this year's Academy Awards, Lupita Nyong'o's emerald BAFTA number and pretty much every item Jennifer Lawrence has worn since becoming a Dior darling. Oh, and those are just a handful of his many evening attire hits. Simons also counts Dior's newest celebrity spokesmodel, Rihanna, as a close pal, and has also crafted several show-stopping creations for the pop star.
Simons' decision to step down as creative director comes just weeks after Alexander Wang showed his last collection with fellow big-name French design house Balenciaga. And this all comes in the wake of many more designer shakeups, with Ralph Lauren leaving behind the post of CEO at his eponymous fashion empire (although he's not exactly abandoning the brand), and Donna Karan parting ways with her own label and (temporarily) suspending production earlier this year.
While Simons may have only lent his talents to Dior for a few short years, his elegant red carpet designs (amongst many other design feats) have certainly solidified his legacy as part of the iconic label.