SS98 Raf Simons ‘Black Palms’ Slash Cut Out Sleeveless Tank-top

Raf Simons’ Spring 1998 collection titled ‘Black Palms’ debuted as a dark, angst filled runway, scattered with graphic reference work inspired by cult-classic film Apocalypse Now. Working closely with Belgian biogenetics civil engineer and industrial designer Franky Claeys, together through distorted imagery of 80s beaches and 90s wallpapers, the duo would bridge Simons’ visions in gloomy rebellion with Claeys eye for perfection. Plastering negative graphics of black palm trees atop model’s bare backs and torsos, the actual runway would consist of similarly minimal motifs like disfigured band emblems and geometric silhouettes. Casting uniquely pale and skinny adolescent men via radio ads in the weeks leading up to the show, the waif skaters and ravers Simons’ desired would perfectly capture his cut out, gothic silhouettes. Working as a foundation for the designer’s eponymous label in years to come, Black Palms, a collection held in a leaking Parisian garage, would become one of the most iconic in Simons’ vast portfolio.

Debuting in the Spring of 1998, this tank-top comes as a height of the Black Palms season. Cut with slits along the wearer’s back, the alien-like profile is crafted from a light weight cotton blank, sitting tight to the skin when on body. As a relic of the past, this sleeveless top is found without any other known listings online. In pristine condition throughout, tagged as a size medium.