Back in February, Raf Simons presented his drug-inspired AW18 collection – titled Youth in Motion – in New York: the last of his trio of shows presented outside of Paris. Today, Simons unveiled the accompanying campaign, and yes, there are more drug references.
Shot by longterm collaborator, photographer Willy Vanderperre, the images juxtapose striking flower arrangements – much like the gigantic wilting blooms that made up the show’s set – alongside shadowy model portraits. Seems innocent enough, but if you look a little closer, you’ll spot the various drug references – tiny baggies, empty open skins, and even a rolled-up dollar bill.
Following the show, there were arguments (read more here) around how responsible it was, with Simons saying that his inspiration came from the life of Christiane Vera Felscherinow – the German actress and addicted adolescent the book Christiane F. was based on. Other references included Cookie Mueller and Glenn O’Brien.
With Simons returning to Paris this season, you can see what his SS19 collection will hold later tonight – taking place at 8:30pm.