Maison Martin Margiela, the anonymous designer.
The history of Maison Martin Margiela, centres around the atypical path taken by its illustrious designer, who is known for being unconventional, and also for staying out of the media spotlight. Martin Margiela is a Belgian designer who was born in 1957. During his youth, he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Anvers. With five other renowned designers, he then set up the “Anvers Six”, a group that distinguished itself through its avant-garde style. He would go on to hone his trade with Jean-Paul Gaultier before launching his own brand in 1988. He also went on to work alongside the House of Hermès from 1997 to 2003. The designer is shrouded in mystery because he never appears in public, even at the Maison Martin Margiela runway shows. His personal and artistic approach is based on remaining anonymous. That is, one could say, the very essence of the concept.
A one-of-a kind concept.
There is no point looking for labels bearing the brand's logo on Maison Martin Margiela's designs. That is because... there aren't any. The labels are white and bear numbers from 0 to 23 which is a reference to the different lines brought out by the fashion house. The range of basics carries the number 10 and the artisanal line number 0. White is the colour that symbolises the brand, which is motivated by the desire to make the product the star of the show. You also see neutral tones like taupe and slate grey. The collections themselves are veritable experiments on the theme of deconstruction, recycling and trompe-l'oeil. The pieces Martin Margiela designs are pared-down and unique. They may be white, but they leave a lasting impression. The designer constantly calls into question the very codes of design by offering the public a more conceptual and intellectual approach.
Martin Margiela clothing has been very successful, and the brand's accessories are certainly not short of takers either. Indeed, the House has also developed ranges of luxury leather goods, like the famous destructured leather tote or the Glam Slam clutch, but also belts, scarves and jewels to set off any outfit. The high-end brand sets itself apart with its footwear, especially through its legendary models of ankle boots and trainers.
Unique pieces to be found on Vestiaire Collective.
Martin Margiela's universe and designs are showcased on the Vestiaire Collective website. This platform specialising in the resale of major brands proposes pieces from previous collections for you to buy. You can find here all categories of products, from clothes to bags to Maison Martin Margiela shoes.
Among the Maison Martin Margiela collections presented on our website, certain pieces are especially coveted because of their unique and timeless appeal. That can certainly be said of the following pieces :