Raf Simons, the recently appointed creative director of Dior, is again, for the 8^th time, teaming up with Fred Perry on a collaborative collection. After a brief hiatus the two design teams have merged to create 28 styles for SS13.

Simons’ womenswear – previously at Jil Sander and now at Dior – contemporise couture with minimalist references; while, conversely, his eponymous men’s line looks to youth sub-cultures, like MENSA (S/S00), and the edge of society, for instance the A/W02 ‘Virginia Creeper’ collection which tackled issues of industrialization and American high-school shootings. Producing these two contradictory design styles seems false, but Simons’ considered collections are rooted in more than just flimsy reference points because of his ability to tailor and sell a full image.

Simons’ meditated design process means that he doesn’t just collaborate with anyone – Fred Perry has an iconic history dappled with rebellious heroes of youth culture, much like his own “name” line.

The collaboration pays dues to Simons’ SS07 collection with its contrast-paneled shirts but has a more optimistic overall appeal.