Maxime Simoens Leaves Leonard; Is He Headed For Dior?
After designing for the house of Leonard for a mere season, designer Maxime Simoens is already headed for something new—though it's not clear yet what that "something new" could be.
Simoens and Leonard announced their parting in a brief joint statement yesterday. According to Women's Wear Daily, the 27-year-old designer is planning to concentrate on his couture collection, which he will show in July. However, if you believe the rumors, Simoens has also been in talks with Dior for the top spot as designer (currently, former Galliano collaborator Bill Gaytten is running the show.) That means he joins Raf Simons and Haider Ackermann in the long list of possible contenders for one of the most coveted positions in fashion.
Simoens is the youngest member of Paris's Federation de la Couture. He is also a favorite of Rachel McAdams, who wore his white dress to the Cannes Film Festival, Blake Lively and Mélanie Laurent.
Meanwhile, Raffaele Borriello, who currently designs Requiem, is said to be Simoens' likely successor at Leonard.
