Raf Simons For Dior

After months of speculation, Raf Simons has been appointed the artistic director of Dior.

The coveted role, which has been up for grabs since John Galliano was fired from the label last year for anti-Semitic remarks, was offered to a number of high-profile designers including Marc Jacobs, who declined the role in January this year citing his loyalty to Louis Vuitton.

Related: Why Marc Jacobs Declined Dior

Simons, who has been the front-runner for the job since January, said he was “thrilled” to join the house of Dior.

“The first time I heard about the Dior position, I thought, ‘this feels right,’” Simons told the Times. “It is one of the ultimate challenges, and a dream to go to a place like Dior, which stands for absolute elegance, incredible femininity and utter luxury.”

The former Jill Sander designer, whose official title is now artistic director of Dior haute couture, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections, is the sixth couturier to join the luxury label.

Related: John Galliano Fired From His Own Label

“Dior’s choice of Simons suggests the house is ready to nudge its fashions in a more modern direction — given his predilection for minimalism and futurism — and turn a page on the retro-tinged glamour Galliano plied over a stellar 15-year tenure,” said WWD.