Even though he's been designing for a little over a decade, many commonfolk may not be familiar with Raf Simons' collections. Don't worry - we've got you covered! Here's some info on the man who's bringing some fire to the sneaker market - and beyond.

Raf Simons is a Belgian fashion designer. He studied industrial design, but after a few years of self-study, he became a menswear designer in 1995. Initially, he worked with Walter Van Beirendonck in Paris, where he was exposed to the work of Martin Margiela and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

His collections (menswear only) are strongly influenced by youth culture, albeit in an indirect way. He often combines strongly cut classic menswear with baggy streetwear-influenced items. Simons' style has been described as highly influential. He has been cited as one of the most important innovators in contemporary menswear by the international press. He presents his collections twice a year, usually in Paris, but works and lives in Antwerp, Belgium. In his early years, his runway shows were unconventional: models running down a street or walking in a parking lot, on a bridge, around a photography studio.

His Raf Simons and Raf by Raf Simons collections are sold at Barneys and Seven in New York and a variety of locations around the world. For a complete list of stores who carry his collections, check out his website, rafsimons.com.

Now that you have some background info, let's get to the pics...

Raf Simons Vandal Boot

Raf Simons Pocket Trainer

Thinking about copping a pair? You better have your pockets right. Prices start @ around $300 USD. Hey - nobody said being fashion forward is cheap!

Labels: Hot for 2008