ANN DEMEULEMEESTER

SUMMARY
The co-existence of music, poetry and dark romanticism is the universe bear by the highly-influential Ann Demeulemeester. The Belgian designer who studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp alongside her contemporaries such as Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten and Walter Van Beirendonck, has incredibly surpassed any expectations during her time in fashion design. Her clothes are enigmatic yet soulful and embracing the proportion and sensitivity of a free spirited woman. Her attitude and working process involves the movement concept that transforms a piece of cloth into a garment and into a wearable piece. The mood of noir as well as the attitude and ambience taken on by her wearer is an extension to the sharply cut drapery, architecturally sculptured cuts and what can be described as Flemish grunge tailoring. She has been working as a designer since her first season in London 1987.

HIGHLIGHTS
Studied Fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp; 1987 – 1981

Alongside the press’ dubbed ‘Antwerp Six’ shows along with school fellows Dries Van Noten, Walter van Beriendonck, Dirk Van Saene and Marina Yee in London; 1987

‘Woolgathering’ – a collaboration with Patti Smith for her prêt-à-porter collection; 1999

‘Horses’ – a collaboration with New York photographer Steven Klein; 2004

‘Carte Blanche’ – introduction of self-created furniture range; 2008

‘+6 Antwerp Fashion’ – Roving major exhibition showcase of fashion works at Opera City Art Gallery in Tokyo; 2009


Photography by Willy Vanderperre