Ann Demeulemeester
Ann Demeulemeester: known as the romantically androgynous modernist.
Born in 1959 in Belgium.
Growing up in Waregem, Belgium, Ann originally had no interest in fashion. However, after attending art school for three years, she began to think about clothing attire and its relation to people. She then went to the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy, studying in fashion design. Over the years, she has been referred to as a member of the "Antwerp Six," due to the fact that six well-known avant-garde designers came out of the school during the years of 1980 and 1981, including Walter Van Beirendonck and Dirk Van Saene.
(Antwerp Royal Academy) (Walter Van Beirendonck)
Soon after graduating from the Academy, Ann was instantly successful, winning awards for her designs and working as a freelance designer. In 1985, she released her first line with her husband. She has always strived to push conventionality, with her pieces being described as funeral, sexual, punk, and Japanese.
(Images from Ann Demeulemeester's first collections)
Over the years, Demeulemeester has often been approached by fashion houses, but she has always refused, wishing to remain independent, both financially and design-wise. She has since acquired her own niche and unique fan-base. She has never followed the trends, and that's what makes her substantially different from her competitors.
(Ann Demeulemeester's menswear)
(Ann Demeulemeester design)
Today, Ann's collections are sold in 30 countries all over the world. She has since created a shoe and accessory line and continues her standard of high quality, natural materials.
(Ann Demeulemeester shoe and accessory line)
Ann Demeulemeester has created a special, chic-goth look that no designer can touch. Her standards and talent have definitely created a niche that is here to stay.
