AW01 Raf Simons ‘Riot! Riot! Riot!’ Brown Corduroy Trench Coat

Unanimously known as the height of Raf Simons' legacy from the early to mid 2000s, “Riot! Riot! Riot!” stands today as one of the most critically acclaimed 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.

Debuting in Raf Simons’ Autumn 2001 collection, this overcoat comes in a warm brown hue, fit with a flared collar and sharp shoulders. Brown button hardware follows down the wearer’s torso, in pair with welt pockets and a full length silhouette. Expertly tailored in a slim, draping cut, metallic chain detailing sits atop the neckline to finish. Tagged as a size medium, this piece comes in great condition with the exception of some fading around the waist.