After months of rumors, Raf Simons has officially joined Prada as co-creative director. The news has been confirmed by Prada on social media.

The official announcement was made by Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada at a secret press conference during Milan Fashion Week. The two are expected to share equal responsibilities as far as the creative process and decision-making. The Belgian designer will start in his new role on April 2, with his first collection expected to debut in September at Milan Fashion Week.

"We like each other, we respect each other, and we’ll see if we go somewhere," Prada and Simons told reporters at the secret press conference in Milan. Simons explained that he was approached by Prada Group's CEO, Patrizio Bertelli, soon after exiting Calvin Klein. "Miuccia and I had a conversation about creativity in today’s fashion system. And it brought me to open dialogue with many designers, not just Mrs. Prada. We have to re-look at how creativity can evolve in today’s fashion system."

Raf Simons also noted that he will continue working on his namesake label. "The contract is forever, there is no end date to the contract," Prada added. Check out Prada's official IG announcement below.

First rumors of Raf Simons joining the creative helm of Prada sparked in January. The designer was the creative director at Jil Sander from 2005 until 2012, while the brand was owned by Prada Group. In a 2017 interview with System, Miuccia opened up about wanting to work with Simons. "One thing that I would really love to do is to work with Raf, and maybe with other people – it would be so much fun. If I could do a show with him, imagine how much fun we would have."

Head here for more on why Raf Simons' new role at Prada makes complete sense.