AW02 Raf Simons ‘Virginia Creeper’ Collegiate Logo Crewneck

A now iconic collection from the beau monde designer, Raf Simons - Virginia Creeper tells a story of decaying beauty between the mortal man and nature. The Virginia Creeper doubles as both the namesake to the 2002 collection and as a poisonous vine native to Canada. Also known as the ‘kinder toxic cousin’ to poison ivy, this invasive species frequently arches atop woodland forests, drowning life in a slow, rotting death. Although toxic, the plant shimmers in a kaleidoscope of burnt reds and verdant greens during the autumn season, luring victims who cannot eat nor touch the hostile life from. Simons’ uses a colour palette reminiscent of this natural beauty, while sending an ode to mother nature’s intense mystery - Virginia Creeper allows one to look, but not touch.

 

This incredible litany is pushed forth throughout Virginia Creeper, allowing each viewer to become engulfed in the 2002 show. Raf Simons hand distressed and treated each garment in a chemical wash, ever so slowly deteriorating each piece from the collection. Much like the Virginia Creeper plant, the article ‘rots’ over time, falling apart at every seam until only viable from an onlookers perspective. Simons’ uses textiles like faux leather, nylon, waxed cotton and throwaway plastics on the runway, as with nature comes ignorant trash from us humans. Collegiate logos and nature-related themes sat atop earth tones and unnatural silhouettes, complimenting the premise of unorthodox beautifully.

 

Debuting in the Autumn of 2002 under Raf Simons’ eponymous namesake, this gorgeous slate grey crewneck comes as a standout of the collection. Featuring a graphic of the Virginia Creeper plant in a blue hue, spell out lettering arcs across the chest, in pair with the scientific name - Parthenocissus quinquefolia, just below. Despite having been treated with a deteriorating acid wash over two decades ago, this sweater remains in nearly pristine condition throughout, and is tagged as a size 48 or medium.