Born 1957 in Limbourg, Belgium. Influential Belgian fashion designer known for deconstructive fashion. Studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, graduated 1979. Worked as design assistant for Jean Paul Gaultier (1984-1987). Founded Maison Martin Margiela in 1988 with business partner Jenny Meirens. Known for avant-garde designs, blank white labels with four stitches, and conceptual approach to fashion. Creative director at Hermès women's wear (1997-2003). Left his eponymous label in 2009. Known for his reclusive nature and anonymity.
