Raf Simons teams up with the Woolmark Company

Fashion designer Raf Simons and The Woolmark Company have announced a partnership for a Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection.

The special menswear collection for his eponymous label is set to feature fine Merino wool jersey, wovens and knits sourced from some of the world's best fabric and yarn manufacturers including Manifattura Sesia and Olimpias Group. Merino wool is said to play an intrinsic role in many of the Belgian designer's collections with sweaters and knits receiving a chic new upgrade.

'As the global authority on wool, one of the world's finest natural fibres, The Woolmark Company prides itself on partnering with designers that continually push the boundaries of contemporary fashion,' said Managing Director, Stuart McCullough in a statement. 'Through our partnership with Raf Simons, one of the industry's most creative visionaries, we are able to demonstrate the distinct versatility of Merino wool far beyond its traditional positioning in the suiting market. Through his iconic work, Raf Simons will bring a newfound creativity to the world of wool.'

'I appreciate that The Woolmark Company encourages brands to come up with innovative ways to work with Merino wool - a material that I love and often use in my own collections. It feels very natural for me to partner with The Woolmark Company to create something special using the finest wool in the world,' explained Simons in a statement.

According to The Woolmark Company, the partnership marks the beginning of a longstanding relationship where it will continue to work closely with and support Simons' design team with innovations and sourcing of Merino wool. Simons is not the first designer to team up with the wool brand. The company had teamed up with British designer Paul Smith for two seasons in 2014 as well as other designers such as Jason Wu, Comme Moi and Thom Browne.

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