22/08/2021
An ode to Maison Martin Margiela.
Originally being from Belgium, I take great pride in my rich cultural heritage. I didn't come from a family where we were exposed to unique designers or artist, but it was my own interest in design that lead to me exploring the power that Belgium has to offer. It was this hunger, (my eduction) and pride that has shaped me in the person I am today. Which I will always be grateful for.
Still till this day Martin Margiela has a big place in the global fashion markets, despite Martin not being part of the house anymore.. However for me, the original 1990s anonymous designer profile paired with pure simplicity in its form, boundary pushing branding, makes Martin Margiela a pioneer when it comes to modern fashion.
As a creative myself I like how MM didn't just stop at designing clothes for a certain group of people that would understand his vision, but used its creative power to also translate his brand across multiple platforms such as objet and interiors. If you've ever stepped into one of their original flagship stores you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Martin's vision didn't just stay within his stores and clothes, but he had this power on reaching his audience in an interesting way, despite being anonymous. The people wearing his clothes most likely were in the Arts or Design field, expressing their understanding and respect for the craft MM offered to the people around them with a tailored garment with 4 simple white stitches on the back. It's these people that have always respected the vision and were the original guardians of the house.
I remember my first week studying in Brussels and I noticed this white painted store, a block down from where my studio was. Intrigued and mesmerised I walked in and did not understand a shop with a few black knitted jumpers would be that special. But I soon came to realise that I was present in somebody's vision. A branding master piece that people have tried to copy or be inspired by, but as we know, sometimes there can only be one OG.
Mattia