Anonymity
Anonymity is one of our foundational principles. Despite the unmistakable stamp of identity in his work, our founder Martin Margiela preferred an incognito approach to design, which has evolved into a distinct visual language and a form of creative expression for the house.
The principle of anonymity extends to the absence of branded labels. Each piece is identified by a white cotton label secured with four stitches visible from the exterior.
Anonymity also inspired the blouse blanche- the white lab coats worn by our team, expressing unity and creativity without individual authorship.
First introduced in the debut show of 1988, when a fine fabric veil was worn to shift attention from the model to the garment. Reinterpreted through the years, veils, wigs, make-up, mouthpieces and masks have evolved from our core philosophy of anonymity into a creative language and framework for innovation and experimentation.
Inspired by our artisanal approach to haute couture, masks have been used throughout the years by our atelier as a tool to explore materials and technique. From cardboard to embroidered sequin flowers, crystal costume jewellery, and crushed and compressed found metal boxes, masks are used as a means of creative expression for the house.
