If you are like me, then you silently mourn the loss of Ann Demeulemeester and her label from the fashion industry. Now we can take solace in the fact that she has published an iconic black book that chronicles the visual history of Ann Demeulemeester‘s contributions to the world of fashion. The Flemish designer has been an intellectual touch point for years in fashion. She is known for her sleek and essential touches, her devotion to form and construction. I always admired her approach to fashion, it was always achingly beautiful with a dark side; she always pushed convention and form through the use of deconstruction/reconstruction. Ann was an influential part of the Antwerp Six, a group of creative minds (including Dries van Noten and Walter van Beirendonck) who have deeply influenced global fashion for more than a decade. Demeulemeester founded her label in 1985 but after almost 20 years of successful, recently stepped down.
The new tome tells her story and represents the perfect incarnation of her signature style. It looks and feels sacred, with pages so thin the images can be seen on both sides of each sheet. Just like her approach to fashion, this is a truly delicate beauty. Every page is printed only on one side. The fragility of the paper makes this a book one cannot race through – it sets the pace of the reader, creating a uniquely singular reading experience. In sharp contrast, the book is large and heavy; while the inside feels starkly white, the outside is blackest black. This is Demeulemeester. This is a must have for the intellectual fashion lover.
Available through Indigo by special order, $62.50