REPLACING AN ENIGMA

 

Who's Going to Take Over Maison Martin Margiela's Duties?

(New York, NY/Paris) Jil leaving Jil Sander, Helmut leaving Helmut Lang, Veronica Webb leaving Tim Gunn's Guide to Style---all signs of imminent destruction. Well after much speculation, affirmation from ownership and a questionable showing during Paris's Spring 2010 fashion week, it is no secret Maison Martin Margiela has left his namesake label. So what does this mean for the brand, but more importantly wardrobes across the globe? Well the answer isn't quite clear. Majority stake holder, Renzo Russo (also the owner of Diesel) reported to Horacio Silva at T:The Moment, that he was extremely close to naming a predecessor...So limbo it is. The Belgian designer is undoubtedly one of fashion's greatest enigmas. His reputation for not giving press, no public appearances (even at his own shows and presentations) and not one picture past the mid-90's; makes the late Yves Saint Laurent (known for his reclusiveness) look like a HAM. Despite the widespread 'gagging' throughout the industry, Russo remains positive about the future of the label, "Martin has not been there for a long time. He is here but not here. We have a new fresh design team on board. We are focusing on young, realistic energy for the future; this is really Margiela for the year 2015."  

J. Dwayne Joseph