AW01 Raf Simons “Riot, Riot, Riot” Cable Knit Sand Sweater

AW01 Raf Simons “Riot, Riot, Riot” Cable Knit Sand Sweater Unanimously known as the commencement of Raf Simons' legacy from the early to mid 2000's, “Riot, Riot, Riot” remains one of the most crucial menswear collections of all time. Simons' reference to Eastern European youth culture - growing up only 10 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, strays far left of the habitual formality in Western European teens. As the Cold War came to a simmer, excess military surplus garments were often found in the surrounding area and “Riot, Riot, Riot” sees true to these radical, empirical ideals. Afghan head scarves, oversized silhouettes and patchwork mediums bring a sense of authenticity and incorporate the Belgian designer’s own roots. Imagery of The Manic Street Preachers, Christiane F. or Joy Division encapsulate Raf Simons’ individualistic persona and create distinct ties between the intimate undertones and harsh exterior of the collection. The drastic change from tailored suits and slim silhouettes challenged the narrative that Raf Simons had previously followed and sat above a word of traditional haute couture. The runway was critiqued and criticized upon debut and yet sits among the heights of archival fashion in the modern era, continuing to symbolize a great expertise in design with opposition to customary technique.

 

Knitted sweaters were a select focal point of the 2001 show, each oversized silhouette pairing well with contrast to form fitting garments. This specific piece interweaves a rope-like, cable knit motif across the frontal panel, the sand colour meshing into the tonal palette. Tagged as a size 46, or small, in great condition aside from a small pinhole in the sleeve as pictured.