New Hermes Exhibition Celebrates Martin Margiela

Margiela, les années Hermès exhibition takes a closer look at the years Martin Margiela spent designing for the fashion house.

Originally devised by the ModeMuseum (MoMu) in collaboration with Martin Margiela and presented in Antwerp in 2017, this project highlights a collaboration between Hermès and the Belgian designer, from 1997 to 2003.

This tribute to Martin Margiela provides the first ever opportunity in France to exhibit his women’s ready-to-wear collections for the famous Parisian house in contrast with his own creations under his eponymous label. The interplay of 120 accessorised silhouettes that move between innovative deconstruction and timeless luxury, offers an understanding of and an insight into Martin Margiela’s very personal approach.

In October 1997, when Jean-Louis Dumas, who was Chairman and Artistic Director of Hermès at the time, asked Margiela to design the women’s ready-to-wear collections, Margiela had already been regarded as one of the most influential avant-garde figures in the field for nearly a decade. It was nonetheless a daring choice, breaking with trends in the world of fashion, which was more inclined to take on “star” stylists. Hermès caused quite a stir by enlisting this iconoclastic designer, whose very face was unknown to most – he has, moreover, never given a single interview. From 1997 to 2003, supported by the expertise of the Hermès studio and its workshops, whose values he shares, Margiela instilled a consistent and profound vision of contemporary luxury through twelve consecutive collections.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs will display over 100 outfits, photographs and short films until September 2.