Raf Simons For Dior?

After John Galliano was fired in March after an anti-Semitic rant in Paris, Dior’s been on the hunt for a designer – and after what feels like many moons, word on the street is that Raf Simons will be taking the helm.

Currently designing for Jil Sander, WWD reports that Dior are “closing in on a contract” with Raf Simons, yet no deal has officially been reached. Evidently, the first hurdle is the question of start date. After signing a contract with an unknown duration with Jil Sander, Raf Simons has helped the label soar to relatively new heights, refreshing the fashion house since coming aboard in 2005.

So could he do the same for Dior? Though the label is hardly in need of a makeover, Raf Simons’ design tactics are obviously the day to Galliano’s night – but maybe that’s what Dior needs after their former designer was so publicly disgraced (though Dior’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection was arguably remarkable).

However, Dior has stressed previously that they are in no rush to fill John Galliano’s shoes. Having nearly acquired Marc Jacobs (until they deemed his price too high), Dior have also toyed with the idea of recruiting Haider Ackermann, Riccardo Tisci, Stefano Pilati and Hedi Slimane.

Let’s see if Raf Simons is the name that finally sticks.