Maison Martin Margiela

Paris, France

Since 1988

Born 1957 in Genk, Belgium. Attended Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Belgium, with the legendary Antwerp Six. Design assistant, Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris, for three years. Launched Maison Martin Margiela in 1988, headquartered in Paris. Designed first Hermes women's ready-to-wear collection in 1998; remained the artistic director there until October 2003. Has maintained a decidedly low profile over the years, never allowing himself to be photographed or appearing onstage after his runway presentations. It was announced in 2009 that Margiela had left the company, though it was reported that he "had been there and not been there" for a long while. A design team continues to take the brand into the future, and the line has been granted numerous exhibits and retrospectives around the world. Photo of Margiela's London store courtesy of David Sandison, The Independent UK.