discoWe compared 20 brands similar to Raf Simons on fit, price and aesthetic — skewing more affordable (8 of 20), led by Ann Demeulemeester and UNDERCOVER.
If you're exploring brands like Raf Simons, you might want to consider Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, and Ann Demeulemeester. Each of these designers carries the avant-garde spirit that defines Raf Simons, but they also bring their own unique aesthetics to the table. From the edgy, dramatic cuts of Rick Owens to the experimental approaches of Maison Margiela, these brands share a commitment to innovation in high-fashion design. Discover the world of avant-garde fashion and find your next statement piece inspired by the genius of Raf Simons.
Antwerp-founded avant-garde house, owned by Claudio Antonioli and designed by Stefano Gallici, known for black romantic-gothic tailoring and drape.
Why it's similar. Both have a strong avant-garde identity and focus on luxurious fabrics and intricate cuts.
What changes. Darker, more romantic and less youth-culture graphic
Jun Takahashi's Tokyo label, founded 1990, mixing punk, horror and art references with deconstructed tailoring in Paris-shown menswear and womenswear.
Why it's similar. Punk and horror graphics on deconstructed tailoring
London menswear-led label founded in 2007 by Martine Rose, known for distorted proportions, rave-culture references and recurring Nike collaborations.
Why it's similar. Rave and terrace subculture with warped proportions
What changes. Streetwear-led, far less formal tailoring
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Paris luxury house founded in 1988, known for deconstruction, blank numeric labels and Tabi split-toe boots; now led by Glenn Martens.
Why it's similar. Both brands are rooted in avant-garde design and often feature unconventional tailoring.
What changes. Conceptual house codes over youth-culture imagery
DRKSHDW is Rick Owens' 2005 diffusion line, applying his dark, deconstructed aesthetic to denim, jersey and canvas streetwear below mainline prices.
Why it's similar. Both brands focus on avant-garde and deconstructed styles with oversized silhouettes and luxury materials.
Independent avant-garde label founded in Los Angeles in 1994 and now based in Paris, known for draped monochrome tailoring and chunky sneakers.
Why it's similar. Both brands share avant-garde styles with high-fashion appeal, characterized by unique silhouettes.
Sydney avant-garde label by Lyna Ty and Melvin Tanaya, known for fabric-led oversized tailoring and its ongoing adidas Originals collaboration.
Why it's similar. Both brands use avant-garde styling and have a tailored, deconstructed silhouette with a minimalist approach.
German-French conceptual label by Desirée Heiss and Ines Kaag, releasing numbered products spanning clothing, jewellery, furniture and everyday objects.
Why it's similar. Avant-garde and conceptual approaches are common, both seen in deconstructed, tailored designs.
British label founded in 1971, known for punk roots, corsetry, tartan and Orb jewellery, now designed by Andreas Kronthaler.
Why it's similar. Emphasis on oversized, tailored silhouettes with avant-garde aesthetics.
Hong Kong label by Tuff Leung producing dystopian sci-fi techwear: panelled, multi-pocket military garments across its PRMTVSM and PMU lines.
Why it's similar. Avant-garde, oversized designs with luxury and technical fabrics align with Raf Simons' approach.
Tokyo avant-garde house founded in 1972, known for black oversized tailoring and asymmetric draping, plus the long-running Y-3 line with Adidas.
Why it's similar. Both brands embrace oversized silhouettes and relaxed fits within an avant-garde framework.
Paris house by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, known for minimal, modular tailoring, relaxed androgynous silhouettes and curved leather bags.
Beijing menswear label pairing speculative sci-fi concepts with modular tailoring, technical fabrics and sculptural accessories.
German-founded, Milan-based luxury house known for minimalist tailoring, now owned by OTB and designed by Simone Bellotti.
New York label known for shrunken grey tailoring, four-bar striping and theatrical runway shows; majority-owned by Ermenegildo Zegna Group since 2018.
Dior Men, formerly Dior Homme, is the LVMH-owned Paris menswear line of Christian Dior, led by Jonathan Anderson since 2025.
Parisian LVMH-owned luxury house founded in 1952, now led by Sarah Burton, known for couture tailoring, Antigona bags and Shark Lock boots.
Japanese house founded in 1970, known for engineered pleating, A-POC construction and Bao Bao bags across its Pleats Please and Homme Plissé lines.
Stockholm fashion house founded in 1996 by Jonny Johansson, known for oversized tailoring, mohair knitwear, denim and the Musubi bag.
Independent London menswear label blending Jamaican-Scottish heritage, craft textiles and music culture, shown on the London Fashion Week schedule.
Disco ranks brand alternatives using style overlap, category overlap, price tier, fit, colour palette, and cultural context. Read the full methodology →
| # | Brand | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Demeulemeester | Avant-garde | Cheaper |
| 2 | UNDERCOVER | Graphic outerwear | Similar |
| 3 | Martine Rose | Rave references | Similar |
| 4 | Maison Margiela | Avant-garde | Cheaper |
| 5 | Rick Owens DRKSHDW | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 6 | Rick Owens | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 7 | Song for the Mute | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 8 | BLESS | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 9 | Vivienne Westwood | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 10 | Hamcus | Avant-garde | Similar |
| 11 | Yohji Yamamoto | Avant-garde | Cheaper |
| 12 | LEMAIRE | Similar | |
| 13 | Xander Zhou | Cheaper | |
| 14 | Jil Sander | Similar | |
| 15 | Thom Browne | Cheaper | |
| 16 | Dior Homme | Similar | |
| 17 | Givenchy | Cheaper | |
| 18 | Issey Miyake | Cheaper | |
| 19 | Acne Studios | Cheaper | |
| 20 | Nicholas Daley | Similar |
Rick Owens DRKSHDW is the most similar. The brand excels in offering avant-garde, deconstructed styles crafted from luxury materials, echoing Raf Simons' innovative approach.
If you're looking for more affordable alternatives, consider brands like Xander Zhou and Issey Miyake, which operate in the premium price tier, offering avant-garde designs without the ultra-luxury price tag.
While quality and craftsmanship are on par, Rick Owens DRKSHDW offers a darker, more aggressive aesthetic. It may suit those preferring edgier designs over Raf Simons' minimalist appeal.
Raf Simons is celebrated for his avant-garde designs that merge streetwear with high fashion. Signature pieces often feature minimalist elements, luxurious fabrics, and innovative patterns.
Song for the Mute, Maison Margiela, and Ann Demeulemeester are notable luxury alternatives, offering avant-garde styles with unique silhouettes at ultra-luxury and luxury price points.
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