Raf Simons blazer jacket from A/W 2008-2009. In excellent used condition; the exterior and interior pockets are sewn shut. Made in Bulgaria.
This blazer was originally showcased for A/W 2007-2008. Seen by many as one of Simons's most tailoring-oriented seasons at that stage of his career, the collection focused on strictly structured silhouettes realised in unconventional and futuristic materials. Tim Blanks writes:
'Elbow-length gauntlets... were a jarringly futuristic counterpoint to tweeds, leathers, and knits that were just about the most traditional clothes Simons has yet created, but that was no accident. One of the designer's aims this time was to make traditional things more contemporary. [...] Superb woven-wool jackets [...] were glazed as if by starlight in deep space. They embodied the essential paradox of Raf Simons's work: sleek futurism here, romantic melancholy there.'
This exquisitely crafted piece encapsulates the designer's visionary approach to men's tailoring. Its shell is made from a unique metallic tweed fabric in a gold/burgundy melange hue that is comprised of 68% polyethylene, 30% wool and 2% nylon. While maintaining a spectacular yet understated luster, the fabric has a soft, fleecy texture and drapes wonderfully. It is a truly special material that lives up to Simons's reputation as an avant-garde pioneer. The jacket's intriguing fabrication complements its extremely sharp cut with a form-fitting body, narrow structured shoulders and slim elongated sleeves. The front closes with a single button and is finished with sleek welt pockets and a unique geometrical peak lapel. The back features a single vent.
Tailoring has always been one of Raf Simons's fortes, and this piece is no exception. First of all, the jacket's strong proportions are given substance by a canvassed construction that produces an elegant structured drape. Likewise, the shape of the lapels is precise and three-dimensional (cutting peak lapels properly on a single-breasted suit is a very challenging tailoring task). The cuffs feature functional buttonholes, and all buttons are made from buffalo horn. The undercollar features black felt. The interior is fully lined in smooth black viscose; the edges of the lining are finished with ornate purple piping.
Overall, this is a rare and iconic piece with a unique design and amazing slim fit that successfully combines Raf Simons's unparalleled avant-garde experimentation with a classic sense of craftsmanship-driven luxury.
