The Belgian designer, whose face still remains a mystery to many, has announced his departure from his own fashion empire, reports NouvelObs.
Rumours of his departure had begun to circulate a few months ago, and then yesterday (December 8), Maison Martin Margiela announced that the designer is indeed withdrawing himself from his company, specifying that he will not be appointing a successor.
His team of 25 designers, who have been working under Margiela’s wing for 19 years, will have to take over the reins.
The company’s general director, Giovanni Pungetti, said that they want to continue to be avant-garde and provocative without having to find a new creative director, which would be a huge challenge for them.
Maison Martin Margiela celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. During the runway show in March, it was reported that Margiela had already begun to be less involved in the creative process.
Margiela claims that his reasons for leaving are personal, but some say that he plans to focus on painting and keeping his distance from the fashion industry.
Last August, Martin Margiela introduced a new bracelet in the shape of a watch face in collaboration with Surface to Air.