The mysticism of Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela is a mythical figure in the fashion world. His journey, marked by both a profound aesthetic sensitivity and a deliberate silence, shaped one of the most revolutionary languages of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Born on April 9, 1957, in Leuven, Belgium, Martin grew up in Genk, a small industrial town. From a young age, he showed an interest in the visual and creative world — especially in fashion. Margiela is the son of a hairdresser and a public servant. As a child, he became fascinated by what he saw on television and in magazines, especially by the work of designers like André Courrèges — known for his futuristic creations and obsession with white, something that would deeply impact the Margelian aesthetic.

At 23, he graduated in fashion from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp — known for its rigorous and artistic approach to fashion — which, during the 80s, became a breeding ground for experimental talents, like the members of the so-called “Antwerp Six” (Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, among others). Although Martin is not officially part of the group, he studied with many of them and shared the same creative atmosphere.

During this period, he was already showing a great interest in classical tailoring, artisanal techniques, and unconventional clothing construction methods. He was a dedicated and meticulous student, with a strong inclination towards experimentation and deconstruction. While other classmates sought to create more