The Archive Unveiled

A selection from the Raf Archive over on oki-ni.

Back on April 1st we gave you the exclusive news that oki-ni were preparing to launch their Archive feature and we have now been told (along with the fashionisto it seems) that it will be live this Thursday. We do however have a preview link and the archive is better than we imagined it would be!

Exquisite tailoring up close from Autumn/Winter 05/06

Raf Simons provides the first archive installment with pieces spanning from his initial mid 90s collections to the present day. Simons is undeniably one of the great innovators of contemporary men's fashion so what a great place to start! His clothes, typically characterised by a sharp and linear silhouette, have combined traditional tailoring with rebel youth outfits from all ages and have ultimately redefined menswear along the way. The archive showcases key pieces throughout and provides a real insight into what the online store feels were his most important collections. These garments are from a personal collection (could we be more jealous?), as time goes on the product matures in style and tastes and preference change all of which is shown in this feature.

A close up of the Alien Hood from Autumn/Winter 06/07

In launching this feature on oki-ni wanted to offer customers a chance to explore labels and genres a little further than just their current collections whilst giving an opportunity to find out more about the designer’s history in product. After spending much of the afternoon salivating over the wonderful back catalogue of Simons' designs we certainly think the online store has succeeded.

One of my favourite pieces is this navy bungee chord jacket from Spring/Summer 08

If you are wondering why the eyes of the model are covered it is because oki-ni wanted this section to focus entirely on the product and not an identity. There are sixty plus pieces featured but they will expand on this - as there is plenty more from where this came from. Just imagine owning such a collection? We can but dream.