ANN DEMEULEMEESTER

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the late 80s, Ann Demeulemeester became known as part of the Antwerp Six, a group of radical new designers famous for their forward-thinking style. Demeulemeester released her eponymous label in 1996 with an avant-garde menswear collection, earning immediate recognition for her unconventional, deconstructivist designs. Her streamlined silhouettes and elongated cuts call to mind a sensual, emotive aesthetic that draws influence from Gothic, punk and Japanese culture. Under the creative direction of Sebastien Meunier until 2020 after Demeulemeester's departure in 2013, the brand continues to refine her darkly poetic vision.