Raf Simons insists he won't be bringing a new age of minimalism to Christian Dior.

The Belgian designer - who was named as the fashion house's new artistic director on Monday - says while he will be bringing his own vision to the label he won't sacrifice its feminine history.

"I don't think it's wrong to call me a minimalist. It's wrong to call me a minimalist only. I am also a romantic person. My main inspiration will be femininity...because it's beautiful, endless and permanent. I'm interested in creativity, the evolution of creativity and the relationship between creativity and the times we live in. When I'm married to a house, I will fully embrace its original intention, its original heritage and meaning. I wouldn't go to that place if I only had minimalism in mind. I'm very aware of what the environment is about," he told WWD.

A spokesperson for the designer also confirmed his eponymous menswear line will continue as before, with Simons at the creative helm: "The Raf Simons brand continues with no changes. The Spring/Summer 2013 show will be presented in Paris next June."