Maison Margiela Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025
Glenn Martens presented his initial collection for Maison Margiela, Artisanal 2025, a profound dialogue between the brand's storied origins and its future trajectory. A principal objective involved elegantly reasserting Maison Margiela's fundamental identity, even as its lineage had undergone extensive examination. Martens embraced Martin Margiela’s enduring fascination with the mask, rendering these elements in distressed metal, fragmented crystals, and diaphanous fabrics such as organza and lace.
Nevertheless, Martens concurrently introduced an elevated sense of grandeur, drawing conceptual cues from medieval architectural forms and the unique atmosphere of historical Flanders and the Netherlands. This influence manifested in rich, manipulated fabric layers, voluminous, flowing gowns, and apparel evoking the stoic figures found on ancient church façades.
The collection incorporated a sophisticated array of jacquards, printed motifs reminiscent of the Renaissance, and embossed leather suggestive of 16th-century Flemish wall coverings. Each piece underwent meticulous slicing and assembly, creating a collaged effect where garments transcended temporal boundaries. This presentation confirmed Martens' discerning command of the house's profound legacy while pioneering a distinctive, compelling direction.
“Medieval grandeur meets modern deconstruction in a timeless dialogue.”
“Masks of metal and lace reveal Margiela’s enduring mystique.”
Key Make Artist Inge Grognard
Backstage Photography Czar
Words by Donald Gjoka
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