[BREAKING] On this Wednesday (11/4), the Paris fashion house of Christian Dior will formally announce that Raf Simons will take over immediately as artistic director, replacing John Galliano. Simons' first collection for the iconic French label is slated for July 2012 at the fall Haute Couture Week shows.

Under the contract, Simons will be able to continue working on his own men’s line, whilst taking on additional responsibilities in crafting the advertising, marketing and related business development strategies of the overall label.