Maison Martin Margiela '20' Exhibition

Image Courtesy of the Telegraph

As a celebration of 20 years in the fashion industry Maison Martin Margiela exhibited the works of their work from June 3rd to September 3rd at Somerset House, London.

The Belgian fashion house  is a conceptual designer showing ideas through extreme fashion design rather than the day-to-day wear. He is definitely considered experimental as shown in the use of altering shoulder lines to create interesting silhouettes and the reworking of unusual and recycled materials.

The designer refuses to be interviewed or photographed, which I really appreciate as it comes clear in his designs; that it's all about the clothes.

Winter 2008

As the birthday celebration catwalk, models had wig masks covering their faces, and wigs as shoulders and dresses in the same colour as the wigs on their hair to create a quirky cartoon style.

Above, from the Spring 2007 collection, is a jacket made from circle-shaped padded tubes sewn together. This shows by using shapes and structures, the same garment can be worn in different ways.

Second hand Tailors dummy (Size 44) used for A/W 2000-2001

Most designers use the standard measurements prescribed by fashion, whereas frequently the theme of XXL has been seen in Maison Martin Margiela's collections. He developed the idea of 'wrapping the body like a gigantic artificial cocoon' but the idea is now present on the high street today with over sized tshirts being very popular.

Over sized heels S/S 2009 (5cm larger than normal measurement)

Tabi Boots covered in Graffiti, 1991

Inspired by ankle-high socks worn with traditional Japanese sandals called Japanese Tabi, these are probably one of the most iconic creations from Maison Martin Margiela which characterised the 1970s.

Duvet coat 1990-2000, Image courtesy of Glass magazine

In the exhibition patterns were projected onto the plain coat to vary the style. I think many people will appreciate this invention as who wouldn't love to be comfy whilst stylish!

I especially loved the tailoring and the strange pattern cutting such as dresses slashed at the waist to show linen, jackets turned inside out with exposed seams and darts, as well as certain enlarged features and garments assembled together.

Maison Martin Margiela remains an extremely inspirational designer and the exhibition was interesting insight into the impact of such an influential fashion house.

Catwalk images courtesy of style.com