Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela was educated at Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts. He graduated with other famous Belgian designers such as Dries van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester in 1980. Before starting up his own brand in 1988, he worked as a freelancer for several years, then taking on a job at Jean Paul Gaultier. Margiela also worked as creative director for Hérmes between 1997-2003. 

Martin Margiela is known for his advant-garde style; "Considered a conceptual designer, Margiela often presents what might be described as extreme fashion, radical collections whose ideas push the boundaries of what constitutes fashion." - style.com

RTW SPRING 2006 

RTW Fall 2006

 

RTW FALL 2007

I've chosen these images as an example of what I find typically Margiela. The house is known for covering up the faces of the models, putting garment where you wouldn't 'normally' have them and sharp shoulders. 

Margiela has recently showed more sophisticated designs in his latest collections. Still keeping within in the same design aesthetics, but its become more refined. 

He is known for is mystique and the fact that he has never granted an interview or even consented to being photographed. The four stitches in the back resembles the clothing label, on each label there are the number between 1-23, which represents different lines 

and collections under the brand, depending on the item one of the numbers is circled. \

Martin also has a line called MM6 Maison Martin Margiela and has also collaborated with Opening Ceremony, H&M, Les ateliers Ruby, Empreintes, Michael Stripe.  

Marigela has rescented started up a line of sunglasses and has also been approved haute couture appellation by The Comssion de Classement Couture Création in Paris. See examples of Margiela couture pieces below. 

When I first was introduced to Margiela I didn't understand what he was getting at. I'm not saying that I have come to understand him now, but I have a great appreciation for the work that the house of Margiela produces. I can now get excited about his work, although I'm not particularly a fan of the couture collections. After watching the following video I again have appreciation for what they do.