Today, Dior announced that 44-year-old Belgian menswear designer Raf Simons will take over as artistic director, taking the position most recently held in the interim by Galliano's assistant, Bill Gaytten. Representatives from Dior wrote in a statement that the designer, who most recently worked with minimalist German house Jil Sander, "will inspire and propel into the 21st century." During the past year, Simons showcased with Jil Sander in Paris and Milan (his last show with Jil Sander was at this year's Milan Fashion Week, after which he departed the stage to a standing ovation, and his youth-oriented, often quirky menswear has been enchanting critics since his major debut in 2006. Simons will reveal his first collection for Dior in July.