Dior picks Raf Simons to succeed John Galliano
(CBS/AP) PARIS - Christian Dior has chosen a new artistic director to succeed John Galliano.
The French fashion house says Belgian designer Raf Simons will present his first show in Paris in July.
"The first time I heard about the Dior position, I thought, 'This feels right,'" Simons told The New York Times.
The appointment comes seven months after star designer Galliano was convicted by a Paris court for making anti-Semitic insults. The job of artistic director has been open since then.
Simons, who previously designed for the Jil Sander fashion house, was considered a top candidate for the job.
A statement by Dior on Monday said Simons "will inspire and propel into the 21st century" the style of the prestigious house.