Martin Margiela

In the early 1990s, fashion reflected the times. It was sombre, desperate and sometimes violent. Clothing underwent deconstruction and recycling, and fashion shows became fashion performances. Fashion would never be the same again.

In 2008, after a show celebrating the 20th anniversary of his fashion house, Maison Margiela, visionary designer Martin Margiela left the fashion world for good. Throughout his career, the Belgian designer remained anonymous, refusing interviews and never being photographed, leading some to call him the fashion world’s answer to Banksy. Now, more than a decade after his departure, Margiela digs into his meticulous and idiosyncratic personal archives to reflect on his revolutionary career and legacy.

Nigel Bennett's film showcase of the feted design group's Autumn/Winter 2004 womenswear collection. Presented in four parts, the film comprised conversations with five women. From these discussions the themes of the main line collection were drawn. In preparation for the piece, each woman was asked the same set of questions about their likes, dislikes and personal histories. The film's locations were designed to be in keeping with the women's answers, which feature as the soundtrack to the film itself.

To mark its tenth season, Maison Martin Margiela decided to create an unusual fashion show to present its collection. Seven women of different ages, nationalities and professions were shot on Super-8 at home or in settings from their everyday lives. Small groups of press and buyers were invited to the showroom to view the film.

To mark its tenth season, Maison Martin Margiela decided to create an unusual fashion show to present its collection. Seven women of different ages, nationalities and professions were shot on Super-8 at home or in settings from their everyday lives. Small groups of press and buyers were invited to the showroom to view the film.

To mark its tenth season, Maison Martin Margiela decided to create an unusual fashion show to present its collection. Seven women of different ages, nationalities and professions were shot on Super-8 at home or in settings from their everyday lives. Small groups of press and buyers were invited to the showroom to view the film.