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Time Business News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Art of Avant-Garde: How Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons Are Defining Fashion in 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, few names carry the cultural weight and stylistic edge of Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons. As we move deeper into 2025, these two avant-garde powerhouses continue to shape not only what we wear, but how we think about clothing, identity, and creativity. With American fashion enthusiasts constantly seeking innovation and meaning in their wardrobe choices, Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons stand at the forefront of a movement that is anything but conventional. Belgian-born Raf Simons has long been considered one of the most influential figures in modern menswear, and his impact is only growing stronger in 2025. After transformative roles at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, Simons has returned to focus on his namesake label—one that blurs the lines between subculture, rebellion, and high art. What sets Raf Simons apart in the U.S. fashion market is his ability to merge intellectualism with streetwear. This unique balance resonates deeply with Gen Z and Millennial consumers who are looking for more than just aesthetics—they want storytelling. Raf's latest collections are filled with post-punk motifs, oversized tailoring, and emotionally charged graphics that speak to a generation navigating social and political complexity. His influence goes far beyond the runway. In New York and Los Angeles, Raf Simons pieces are regularly seen on celebrities, stylists, and cultural tastemakers. His designs have become a symbol of introspective cool—a wearable philosophy that appeals to thinkers, creatives, and those who see fashion as a form of protest or self-expression. Comme Des Garçons: The Art of the Unexpected When it comes to challenging the norms of fashion, few do it with the consistency and confidence of Comme Des Garçons. Founded by Rei Kawakubo in 1969, the Japanese brand continues to be a pillar of experimental design, pushing boundaries in ways that few Western labels dare to try. In 2025, Comme Des Garçons remains a cult favorite across the U.S., celebrated for its uncompromising approach to form, fabric, and function. Kawakubo's ethos is rooted in defiance—against trends, gender norms, and consumer expectations. Each season brings forth collections that explore themes like deconstruction, asymmetry, and androgyny. In a market oversaturated with minimalism and fast fashion, Comme Des Garçons offers a refreshing, albeit provocative, alternative. From New York city center boutiques to San Francisco fashion avant-garde, Comme Des Garçons is an American favorite among those who seek uniqueness. Its diverse lines—from its main collection to PLAY and Homme Plus—enable consumers to approach its world from multiple points of entry. Whether you're sporting a heart logo tee or a puffy, architectural coat, you're contributing to a conversation about what fashion is, not merely what it is supposed to be. Raf Simons x Comme Des Garçons: A Contrast and Harmony Study Despite Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons being from various cultural influences and design philosophies, where they come together is where fashion is most interesting. One feeds on youth culture and revolt, the other on abstraction and creativity. But both work with an intellectual drive that makes them stand out in today's fashion-cluttered landscape. For U.S. consumers, especially those in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, these brands offer an antidote to mainstream fashion. Their influence can be seen in independent boutiques, on fashion-forward college campuses, and increasingly, across social media platforms where fashion serves as a language of individuality. The 2025 consumer has very high expectations as the dawn of digital expression ushers in authenticity, creativity, and substance. It isn't hard to find alignment with such values: Comme Des Garçons and Raf Simons. After all, the best way to tell a story uniquely your own is through archival items strategically curated with the utmost care or maybe discovering new drop buyers on resale platforms like Grailed or SSENSE. The Future of Fashion in America: Why These Brands Matter Now More Than Ever In an era where fashion is more democratized than ever, Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons continue to stand out by remaining uncompromising in their vision. As sustainability and authenticity dominate the fashion conversation in the U.S., both brands have maintained their integrity by focusing on quality, creativity, and enduring cultural relevance. Raf Simons has increasingly leaned into sustainable production methods and limited releases, aligning with eco-conscious American shoppers. Comme Des Garçons, meanwhile, has embraced collaborations that reflect its avant-garde spirit—partnering with artists, designers, and even fragrance houses to expand its reach without diluting its core identity. Their continued success proves that there's a growing appetite in the United States for clothing that challenges, provokes, and inspires. For those who see fashion as more than commerce—for those who see it as art—Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons are not just brands; they're movements. Final Thoughts As 2025 unfolds, Raf Simons and Comme Des Garçons are not merely surviving in the American fashion market—they're thriving. They represent the fearless spirit of modern fashion: unafraid to disrupt, to innovate, and to inspire. For U.S. consumers hungry for meaning, creativity, and identity, these two titans of style are not just relevant—they are essential. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Saints go marching to a new beat as Will Still vows high-octane revival
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Arsenal - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - May 25, 2025 Newly appointed Southampton manager Will Still in the stands before the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo Saints go marching to a new beat as Will Still vows high-octane revival SOUTHAMPTON, England - At just 32, Will Still speaks with the conviction of a veteran tactician as he outlines his blueprint to resurrect a Southampton side still reeling from one of English football's most calamitous campaigns. The Belgian-born English coach has wasted no time setting out his stall after signing a three-year deal with the recently relegated Saints, who endured Premier League ignominy as the first team to lose 30 matches in a 38-game season. "I don't like to sit in and wait and be passive," Still told reporters at St Mary's after witnessing Southampton's defeat by Arsenal. "I'd like our teams to dominate, to go and press, to be as aggressive as we can be." Still arrives fresh from guiding RC Lens to eighth place in France's Ligue 1, and his appointment represents a bold statement from a club desperate to bounce back from a season that yielded a paltry 12 points. Southampton's dramatic fall mirrors the rapid rise of their new manager, who has quickly built a reputation for high-octane football during his brief but impressive career. "We want to be high up the pitch and in the opposition's third as much as possible," said Still, articulating the antithesis of the football that saw Southampton sink with barely a whimper. His philosophy extends beyond tactical diagrams to the club's fractured culture. "It's about creating that environment where we're here to win and we want to win consistently," he explained. "I want to create this high-energy team with good humans who actually enjoy doing ultimately the best job in the world." With five weeks before pre-season begins, Still is already immersing himself in all things Southampton, studying past matches and familiarising himself with his new surroundings. "It allows you to come back in for pre-season and just hit the ground running," he said – precisely what Saints supporters will be hoping for as they look to return their club to the Premier League at the first attempt. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Saints go marching to a new beat as Will Still vows high-octane revival
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Arsenal - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - May 25, 2025 Newly appointed Southampton manager Will Still in the stands before the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) -At just 32, Will Still speaks with the conviction of a veteran tactician as he outlines his blueprint to resurrect a Southampton side still reeling from one of English football's most calamitous campaigns. The Belgian-born English coach has wasted no time setting out his stall after signing a three-year deal with the recently relegated Saints, who endured Premier League ignominy as the first team to lose 30 matches in a 38-game season. "I don't like to sit in and wait and be passive," Still told reporters at St Mary's after witnessing Southampton's defeat by Arsenal. "I'd like our teams to dominate, to go and press, to be as aggressive as we can be." Still arrives fresh from guiding RC Lens to eighth place in France's Ligue 1, and his appointment represents a bold statement from a club desperate to bounce back from a season that yielded a paltry 12 points. Southampton's dramatic fall mirrors the rapid rise of their new manager, who has quickly built a reputation for high-octane football during his brief but impressive career. "We want to be high up the pitch and in the opposition's third as much as possible," said Still, articulating the antithesis of the football that saw Southampton sink with barely a whimper. His philosophy extends beyond tactical diagrams to the club's fractured culture. "It's about creating that environment where we're here to win and we want to win consistently," he explained. "I want to create this high-energy team with good humans who actually enjoy doing ultimately the best job in the world." With five weeks before pre-season begins, Still is already immersing himself in all things Southampton, studying past matches and familiarising himself with his new surroundings. "It allows you to come back in for pre-season and just hit the ground running," he said – precisely what Saints supporters will be hoping for as they look to return their club to the Premier League at the first attempt. (Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Saints go marching to a new beat as Will Still vows high-octane revival
* Still led RC Lens to eighth in Ligue 1 before joining Southampton * Southampton suffered record 30 losses in a 38-game Premier League season * Still emphasizes creating a high-energy team with positive club culture SOUTHAMPTON, England, - At just 32, Will Still speaks with the conviction of a veteran tactician as he outlines his blueprint to resurrect a Southampton side still reeling from one of English football's most calamitous campaigns. The Belgian-born English coach has wasted no time setting out his stall after signing a three-year deal with the recently relegated Saints, who endured Premier League ignominy as the first team to lose 30 matches in a 38-game season. "I don't like to sit in and wait and be passive," Still told reporters at St Mary's after witnessing Southampton's defeat by Arsenal. "I'd like our teams to dominate, to go and press, to be as aggressive as we can be." Still arrives fresh from guiding RC Lens to eighth place in France's Ligue 1, and his appointment represents a bold statement from a club desperate to bounce back from a season that yielded a paltry 12 points. Southampton's dramatic fall mirrors the rapid rise of their new manager, who has quickly built a reputation for high-octane football during his brief but impressive career. "We want to be high up the pitch and in the opposition's third as much as possible," said Still, articulating the antithesis of the football that saw Southampton sink with barely a whimper. His philosophy extends beyond tactical diagrams to the club's fractured culture. "It's about creating that environment where we're here to win and we want to win consistently," he explained. "I want to create this high-energy team with good humans who actually enjoy doing ultimately the best job in the world." With five weeks before pre-season begins, Still is already immersing himself in all things Southampton, studying past matches and familiarising himself with his new surroundings. "It allows you to come back in for pre-season and just hit the ground running," he said – precisely what Saints supporters will be hoping for as they look to return their club to the Premier League at the first attempt. St. Mary's Stadium England Southampton Arsenal
India Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Relegated Southampton appoint Will Still as manager on three-year deal
Relegated Premier League side Southampton have confirmed the appointment of 32-year-old Will Still as their new manager on a three-year contract, with the Belgian-born Englishman tasked with guiding the club back to the top flight after a turbulent south-coast club, which endured its earliest-ever relegation from the Premier League following a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in April, wasted no time in securing their next leader. The loss to Spurs sealed Southampton's fate with seven games left to play, leading to the departure of Croatian manager Ivan Juric the following who had been at the helm of French Ligue 1 side Lens, made the decision to leave his position with the club last week, expressing a desire to return to the UK for what promises to be an exciting new chapter at Southampton. "I'm excited for the opportunity here at Southampton. There is huge potential, and I believe we have the chance to do something special," said Still, who signed a three-year deal on Sunday. "The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive. I'm eager to start building a strong, close-knit group that can ultimately get us back where we belong: in the Premier League."Still takes over from Ivan Juric, whose tenure at St Mary's was marred by the club's catastrophic drop to the Championship. Despite Juric's best efforts, the Saints were unable to avoid relegation, finishing in 19th place. With the task of returning Southampton to Premier League contention in mind, Still brings with him a wealth of experience from his time at Lens, where he made a name for himself with a clear tactical philosophy and impressive Technical Director Johannes Spors praised Still's credentials, highlighting his innovative approach and strong leadership qualities. "Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience, and we've been extremely impressed with his track record and our conversations with him," Spors remarked. "What stood out most was his clarity of vision and his adaptability. These qualities will be essential as we navigate the Championship next season."Spors also emphasized Still's ability to foster a positive team culture, saying that his values and personality made him a perfect fit for the ambitious new project at Southampton. "We believe he will help us build a clear identity and a positive future for the team," Spors appointment of Still signals a new era for the Saints as they look to bounce back from their relegation nightmare. Fans will be eager to see how he shapes the squad over the summer and builds a team capable of competing at the top of the departure from Lens was met with appreciation, with the French club releasing a statement praising his contributions. "Will embodied the values of RCL through his resilience, passion, and authenticity," said the club. They also confirmed that Still's brothers, Edward and Nicolas, would be leaving Lens, though it remains unclear whether they will join him at is expected to be at St Mary's Stadium this Sunday for the Saints' final Premier League fixture of the season against Watch
