RUNWAY: Raf Simons FW11

Raf Simons' Fall/winter 2011 show was bittersweet. The collection itself was sublime but news broke today that Raf Simons and his licensing partner in Italy (who has exclusive rights to manufacture Raf's designs) have terminated their contract. Shipments of Spring/Summer 2011 clothes are still on schedule and Fall/Winter 2011 will be the last collection the two will collaborate on.

Back to the collection: Raf continues his love affair with colors and fabrics steeped in technology. But the main focus of the collection was the duffle (or toggle) coat as seen in the first and final look and multiple times between. They all had a touch of the zany: from closures that had multiple colors to ones with odd "buttons". Also fetching were the body hugging sweaters with playful winter prints, much more chic than the ones your grandmother buys you, for sure! In all, the collection was really a pleasure to witness and regardless of what will happen with Raf's eponymous line after the Fall/Winter 2011 season, we know he'll land on his feet. For goodness sakes, he's Raf Simons!