In picture: Raf Simons SS17 show at Pitti Uomo

Raf Simons, the guest of honor at the 90th edition of Italian men's wear trade fair Pitti Uomo, presented his Spring/Summer 2017 collection to much fanfare on Thursday, June 16. For his catwalk showcase, Simons transformed the Stazione Leopolda in Florence into a department store a la Simons. The former head designer of Dior was inspired by the work of the American cult photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, who photographed mostly nude male models, still lifes and flowers. Simons incorporated several photographs of Mapplethorpe work in its entirety onto several designs in his collection.

"Florence has a special place in my heart," said Raf Simons in a press statement. The Belgian fashion designer previously presented his work at Pitti Uomo, in 2003, during an exhibition of the Italian artist Francesco Bonami. Two years later, he hosted a presentation for his own namesake fashion label in the city, and in 2010 Simons showcased Jil Sander's new collection as the label's creative director at Pitti.

Images: Raf Simons PR