Ann Demeulemeester
Yohji Yamamoto
April 20, 2020Ganni
April 23, 2020
Ann Demeulemeester was born in Belgium in 1959; at first she studied art and then later fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. She presented her first collection in London in 1985, together with five of her compatriots, thus forming the famed Antwerp Six, the collective of radical and distinctive Belgian designers of the 1980s. Demeulemeester released her own line in 1985 with husband Patrick Robyn.
Her brand quickly evolved into her distinctive and recognizable aesthetic. With close attention to detail and use of cutting-edge techniques and materials, she produced pieces that continuously strived to push conventions and produced fresh looks for each season. She began by drawing influence from gothic, punk, and Japanese styles while still remaining true to her own ideas. Her pieces, which at times have been described as "funereal", have subtle hints of emotion and emphasis on sexuality. Her canvas is always white, gray, black, carbon or anthracite, delicate but not precious, fragile and violent, often androgynous.
After Ann's departure in 2013, French designer Sébastien Meunier was named the Artistic Director of the house. Staying true to her vision and aesthetic, Ann Demeulemeester is still regarded as one of the most influential labels in fashion.
Current Creative Director: Sébastien Meunier
