Another great creative mind exits fashion : Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela, Valentino, Jil Sander and the late Alexander McQueen, are just a few to name who have left their own label behind. It begs us to ask the question: What is going on behind the scenes with these creatives, once the companies grow too large and are managed by corporates – is the essence and purpose lost? In the case of Ann Demeulemeester, she bowed out of fashion earlier this week, with a handwritten letter signed at the end with an “X” to represent a single kiss.
One of the original Antwerp Six who helped put that small Belgian city on the global fashion map with her soigné tailoring and dark glamour, Demeulemeester said she had prepared her exit in concert with the company, controlled by entrepreneur Anne Chapelle, “and they feel ready to bring the brand further into the future.” (Hopefully not planning a capsule collection with H&M – yes, pun intended)
“As a young girl, I dreamed of having a voice in fashion,” she wrote. “I worked hard to realize this dream and now I feel that I accomplished this mission. I have always followed my own path. A new time is coming both for my personal life and the brand Ann Demeulemeester. I feel it’s time to separate our paths.”
A view at Ann’s written note :
