Which Belgian designer founded Maison Margiela in Paris in 1988?

Martin Margiela founded Maison Margiela in Paris in 1988. He launched the label with Jenny Meirens, a Belgian boutique owner who became his business partner, but Margiela is the designer and namesake the question is asking for.

Before establishing his own house, Margiela worked as Jean Paul Gaultier’s design assistant from 1984 to 1987. His own label initially operated under the name Maison Martin Margiela and became known for deconstruction, exposed construction details, oversized silhouettes, recycled materials, and unconventional fashion shows.

A common mix-up is confusing Margiela with the Antwerp Six, the influential group of designers who also studied at Antwerp’s Royal Academy. Margiela studied there but is generally not counted as a member of that collective. Another neighbouring fact is that the house was acquired by OTB in 2002, while Margiela left the label in 2009.