Ann Demeulemeester
Ann Demeulemeester is a Belgian luxury fashion house founded in 1985 by the designer of the same name. It makes womenswear, menswear, shoes, accessories and homeware.
| Founded | 1985 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ann Demeulemeester, with Patrick Robyn |
| Original base | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Owner since 2020 | Claudio Antonioli |
| Menswear launched | 1996 |
| Website | anndemeulemeester.com |
What is Ann Demeulemeester?
Ann Demeulemeester is a Belgian fashion house founded in 1985 as Ann Demeulemeester-Verhelst by the designer Ann Verhelst, known professionally as Ann Demeulemeester, together with her husband Patrick Robyn, who acts as shadow creative director.
History
The label showed in London in 1986 with a debut presentation featuring sunglasses only, and its first womenswear collection followed for autumn 1987. Shoes and accessories were added in 1988, menswear in 1996, and the Antwerp flagship opened in 1999.
In 2005 Belgian entrepreneur Anne Chapelle acquired the majority stake. The designer announced her departure in 2013. In 2020 Italian retailer Claudio Antonioli bought the company, and the company is now reported to be based in Milan. Verhelst returned in 2021. Stefano Gallici became creative director in 2023, when the first fragrance was launched.
Products and positioning
Beyond fashion, the house works with Serax on homeware and porcelain, and the Antwerp flagship now concentrates mainly on homeware and furniture.
Why it matters
The label is one of the best-known names from Belgian fashion and a reference point for Antwerp design.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ann Demeulemeester from?
Ann Demeulemeester is a Belgian fashion house that began in Antwerp.
Who founded Ann Demeulemeester?
The designer Ann Demeulemeester founded the label in 1985, together with her husband Patrick Robyn.