Undoubtedly, you've heard the name Martin Margiela. [1] The Belgian designer has been a figure in the fashion world since 1985, when he started working for Jean Paul Gaultier [2]. Prior to that, Margiela had worked as a freelance designer for five years after graduating Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

Just a year after leaving Gaultier, the designer showed the first collection under his own label. And the rest is history. Currently, Margiela has a boutique in the West Village in NYC; his shoes are also sold at Barneys. [3] His clothing can also be found at online boutiques such as Yoox [4] and La Garconne [5].

Side note: Balenciaga [6]'s main man, Nicolas Ghesquiere has said on many occasions that he wears Martin Margiela. In the fashion world, that is quite the compliment!

To see more from Martin Margiela,