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 realise why he has changed the fashion world forever. This article dives deep into the visual universe of Raf Simons: his short films, his collaboration with Asap Rocky, his artistic references — and what all of this means for aspiring models trying to make their mark in this world.

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The Visual Universe of Raf Simons: More Than Fashion

Asap Rocky and Raf Simons: A Collaboration Across Generations

Raf Simons’ Collections at a Glance: Key Moments

What Raf Simons’ world means for aspiring models

Frequently asked questions about Raf Simons, his videos and the fashion world

The Visual Universe of Raf Simons: More Than Fashion

From the beginning, Raf Simons’ work has been infused with images, music and a literary density of references. His catwalk shows are not ordinary presentations — they are choreographed experiences in which sound, light and movement play as big 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 rarely articulated so clearly: sensitive and tough at the same time, deeply rooted in youth subcultures, yet worked with the precision of classic menswear. 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 Rigour

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 catwalk and runway tips for aspiring models are so important — it’s not just the technique that counts, but the feeling for context.

Art as Collection DNA

Raf Simons regularly collaborates with visual artists — including Sterling Ruby, whose raw materials and apocalyptic colour worlds are fully embodied in entire collections. These collaborations are directly integrated 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 within 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, the bomber jackets with art prints — all of this was not a luxury for an entire generation of hip-hop artists, but an identity. This cultural crossover can also be utilised by models aiming to break through in multicultural markets like becoming a model in New York or becoming a model in London.

Music videos as a fashion stage

Asap Rocky’s music videos are fashion films in their own right — carefully styled, each 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 catalysts for the fashion industry and explain why aspiring models should also keep informed about New York Fashion Week dates and Paris Fashion Week dates — this is exactly where such collaborations are born.

Streetwear meets Haute Tailoring

What Raf Simons and Asap Rocky have in common is their refusal of false boundaries. Streetwear is no less than Couture — it simply tells different stories. This way of thinking also influences how international agencies search for talent today. Anyone wanting to know how a serious modelling agency works will find that cultural awareness is now at least as important as classic model measurements.

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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
Parisian 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 day (own line)	Science fiction, youth utopia	Asap Rocky, new masculinity	Digital-film hybrid

Anyone wishing to take part in such shows should first find out about the steps to becoming 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 such as 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 conform to 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 wondering 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 sector

High fashion, such as Raf Simons, requires a different preparation than commercial shoots. If you want to attend a casting at CM Models, you should also prepare for the avant-garde segment. Here are the most important aspects:

Collect reference images from glossy 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 find out how to properly prepare for a casting — not only technically, but also mentally.

Checklist: Are you ready for high-fashion castings?

☐ Model portfolio up to date and artistically strong
☐ At least three professional photos available
☐ Runway basics practised
☐ 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 reputable modelling 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 modelling agency in Berlin often offers access to more avant-garde projects than one might expect. Likewise, a modelling agency in Hamburg or starting out via becoming a model in Frankfurt are valid first steps. Important: Never pay an agency — find out whether a modelling agency charges fees, and make your decision accordingly. Reputable agencies work on a commission basis and are modelling agencies without fees.

Those just starting out can also model part-time — an ideal way to enter the world of high fashion without putting everything on the line from the start.

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 form. His productions combine music, visual art and fashion into a coherent visual language. Each film is a manifesto — for youth, outsider status and a different form of masculinity. This makes them timeless and relevant far beyond the world of fashion.

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 has become 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 more 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 way to start is through a top model agency with contacts in the luxury sector. Initially, one should understand how to contact a modelling 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.