Raf Simons Is Leaving Christian Dior

Raf Simons is leaving Christian Dior after a collaboration of three-and-a-half years.

While the separation was rumored in fashion circles for several weeks, the announcement has sent shock waves through the industry. It is said to be an amicable one on both sides after the designer and the company failed to reach agreement on a new employment contract. The news was confirmed in a statement from the fashion house which said that the Belgian designer "has made the choice because of personal reasons," and that "Mr Simons will not renew his contract with Christian Dior". "Bernard Arnault and Sidney Toledano recognize Raf Simons' decision and thank him for his outstanding contribution to the House."

In a statement released today, Simons thanked Bernard Arnault saying, "It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as Creative Director of Christian Dior Couture Women's collection. 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 of my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to be allowed to write a few pages of this magnificent book. I want to thank M. Bernard Arnault for the trust he has put in me, giving me the incredible opportunity to work at this beautiful house surrounded by the most amazing team one could ever dream of. I have also had the chance over the last few years to benefit from the leadership of Sidney Toledano. His thoughtful, heartfelt and inspired management will also remain as one of the most important experience of my professional career. "

Simons's departure comes just a few years after the shocking exit from designer John Galliano, who was dismissed by the fashion house in 2011, after a video surfaced in which he was under the influence of racist and anti-Semitic statements. In April 2012 Simons took over and took the french fashion house in a more modernist direction.

Simons' successor at Dior not yet known and a search is to be conducted, according to informed industry sources.