Raf Simons Videos: Art, Collections & Asap Rocky
Raf Simons is more than a fashion designer — he is a chronicler of youth, an archivist of subculture, and a bridge-builder between the street and couture. Those who know his videos understand his collections. Those who understand his collections recognize why he has forever changed the fashion world. This article dives deep into Raf Simons’ visual universe: his short films, his collaboration with Asap Rocky, his artistic references — and what all of this means for aspiring models who want to make their mark in this world.
Raf Simons’ Visual Universe: More Than Fashion
From the beginning, Raf Simons’ work has been infused with images, music, and a nearly literary density of references. His runway shows are not ordinary presentations — they are choreographed experiences in which sound, light, and movement play as significant a role as the clothing itself. This philosophy is directly reflected in his videos, which are less advertisements and more standalone artworks.
The brand stands for a type of masculinity that is rarely articulated so clearly: sensitive and tough at the same time, deeply rooted in youth subcultures, yet worked with the precision of classic men’s fashion. Anyone interested in a career in this segment should know the requirements for becoming a model — because Raf Simons casts his shows with a very specific type.
Punk, Post-Punk and Belgian Rigor
The Belgian influence is unmistakable. The Antwerp Six, the Demna era, Margiela — all of this lingers in the background of every Raf Simons collection. His early video productions recalled Super-8 aesthetics: grainy, intimate, almost documentary. Models move through abandoned industrial buildings or school environments, always with this tension between innocence and threat. Whoever understands that fashion here is a language also understands why runway and catwalk tips for aspiring models are so important — it’s not just the technique that counts, but the sense of context.
Art as Collection DNA
Raf Simons regularly collaborates with visual artists — including Sterling Ruby, whose raw materials and apocalyptic color worlds are fully integrated into entire collections. These collaborations are directly incorporated into video formats: campaigns become art installations, lookbooks become photo books. For models who want to work in this environment, it is essential to have a strong model portfolio for casting that reflects an artistic sensibility — not just perfect measurements.
“Fashion is not a costume. Fashion is an attitude — a way of seeing the world and asserting oneself in it.”
Asap Rocky and Raf Simons: A Collaboration Across Generations
The connection between Asap Rocky and Raf Simons is one of the most fascinating in modern fashion. The New York rapper has been wearing Raf Simons pieces on stages, in music videos, and on red carpets — not as a paid brand ambassador, but out of genuine, verifiable passion. This authenticity is the key.
Asap Rocky has repeatedly described in interviews how Raf Simons’ early collections shaped his understanding of fashion. The slim silhouettes, the parka culture, bomber jackets with art prints — all of this was not luxury for an entire generation of hip-hop artists, but identity. This cultural crossover can also be utilized by models who want to break through in multicultural markets like Become a model in New York or Become a model in London.
Music videos as fashion stages
Asap Rocky’s music videos are fashion films in themselves — carefully styled, every shot a lookbook image. In collaboration with directors like Dexter Navy, short films are created that translate Raf Simons’ aesthetic into an urban context: Harlem meets Antwerp. These crossover moments are important impulses for the fashion industry and explain why aspiring models should also inform themselves about New York Fashion Week dates and Paris Fashion Week dates — exactly here such collaborations are born.
Streetwear meets Haute Tailoring
What Raf Simons and Asap Rocky have in common is the rejection of false boundaries. Streetwear is no less than Couture — it just tells different stories. This mindset also influences how international agencies search for talent today. Anyone who wants to know how a serious model agency works will find that cultural awareness is now at least as important as classic model measurements.
Raf Simons’ Collections at a Glance: Key Moments
The following table provides an overview of defining collection phases and their respective visual and cultural focuses — without claiming completeness, but with a focus on the development of the house:
| Collection Phase | Aesthetic Focus | Cultural Reference | Presentation Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Phase (Belgium) | Slender Silhouettes, Bomber Jackets | Punk, Post-Punk, Joy Division | Intimate Runway Setting |
| Paris Period | Tailoring, Flowers, Political Prints | Youth Protests, Academia | Monumental Installations |
| New York / Calvin Klein | Americana, Workwear, Quilts | US Pop Culture, Warhol | Spectacular Mega Shows |
| Sterling Ruby Era | Rough Materials, Camouflage, Graffiti | Art, Subversion, Destruction | Art Collaboration as Film |
| Present (Own Line) | Science Fiction, Youth Utopia | Asap Rocky, New Masculinity | Digital-Film Hybrid |
Anyone who wants to participate in such shows should first inform themselves about the steps to become a model and understand which model measurements and requirements apply to different segments.
What Raf Simons’ world means for aspiring models
The world of Raf Simons is not an easy entry point — but a rewarding one. The shows are presented at places like the Milan Fashion Week or the London Fashion Week, and the requirements for models are complex: it’s about presence, posture, cultural awareness — not just body measurements.
Especially interesting: Raf Simons has repeatedly used models who do not meet the classic high-gloss standard. This makes his shows more accessible to people who would otherwise not fit the norm — for example, Curvy Models or people who wonder if there is a model agency without a minimum height. Here, the high fashion world shows surprising openness.
How to Prepare for a Casting in the High-Fashion Segment
High fashion, like Raf Simons, requires a different preparation than commercial shoots. Anyone wanting to attend a Casting at CM Models should also prepare for the avant-garde segment. Here are the most important aspects:
- Collect reference images from high-gloss magazines
- Know the cultural background of the brand
- Wear neutral, minimalist clothing to the casting
- Show confidence rather than perfection
- Enhance your portfolio with artistic shots
- Train your runway style for avant-garde shows
It is also helpful to specifically inform yourself on how to properly prepare for a casting — not only technically, but also mentally.
Checklist: Are You Ready for High-Fashion Castings?
- ☐ Model portfolio is up-to-date and artistically strong
- ☐ At least three professional photos available
- ☐ Runway basics practiced
- ☐ Knowledge of the target agency’s brands
- ☐ Body measurements documented and known
- ☐ Social media portfolio maintained and consistent
- ☐ Availability for the agency ensured
- ☐ Application submitted to a serious model agency
Regional entry points into the fashion world
Those who cannot start directly in Paris or New York will also find strong entry points in Germany. A model agency in Berlin often offers access to more avant-garde projects than expected. Likewise, a model agency in Hamburg or starting with becoming a model in Frankfurt are valid first steps. Important: Never pay an agency — find out whether a model agency charges fees, and make your decision accordingly. Reputable agencies work on a commission basis and are model agencies without fees.
Those who are just starting out can also model part-time — an ideal entry into the world of high fashion without putting everything on the line right away.
Frequently asked questions about Raf Simons, his videos, and the fashion world
What makes Raf Simons’ videos so special?
Raf Simons uses video not as an advertising tool, but as an independent art format. His productions combine music, visual art, and fashion into a coherent visual language. Each film is a manifesto — for youth, outsider culture, and a different form of masculinity. This makes them timeless and relevant far beyond the fashion world.
How has Asap Rocky influenced Raf Simons’ brand?
Asap Rocky has brought the brand into circles that traditional fashion communication would never have reached. Through music videos, red-carpet appearances, and social media presence, Raf Simons became a reference point for an entire generation of hip-hop and streetwear fans. This cultural connection is now an integral part of the brand’s value.
What body measurements do I need for Raf Simons shows?
Raf Simons often casts his shows with very slim, androgynous models in the high-fashion standard. Those who want to learn about the exact model measurements and requirements will find a detailed overview there. It is important to note that the brand always evaluates not only measurements but also presence and posture — an unmistakable look can be decisive.
How can I enter the high-fashion world as a beginner?
The best entry point is through a top model agency with contacts in the luxury segment. First, one should understand how to contact a model agency, and then specifically reach out to agencies that are active in the high-fashion area. Alternatively, a direct application now can be made to establish the first contact and receive a professional assessment.
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