WWD: Designer Raf Simons Forges Ahead

MILAN ??” Other designers may be clipping their wings, but Raf Simons is spreading his.

Simons detailed plans for his eponymous label, which include his first ad campaign, a small furniture collection and two more stores in Asia ??” all despite the grim economic climate.

With the group??™s sales expected to increase 15 percent to 9 million euros, or $12.1 million at current exchange, this year, the Belgian designer, who launched his signature men??™s wear label in 1995, has every reason to be positive.

???You prepare yourself for a difficult year ahead ??” I am well-informed. I know companies are struggling, but without sounding pretentious, I really can??™t believe we have such positive results,??? Simons said at the headquarters of Futurenet, his de facto maison.

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