Somerset House is hosting a major exhibition celebrating 20 years of one of contemporary fashion’s most influential and enigmatic designers, Martin Margiela.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA ’20′ THE EXHIBITION

3rd June-5th September 2010

SOMERSET HOUSE

Embankment Galleries, Strand, London WC2R 1LA (020 7845 4600)

The exhibition provides a visual examination of the themes that underpin the essence of the fashion house, from its deconstructivist design aesthetic and avant-garde couture to its understated branding, unusual boutique interiors, signature ‘trompe l’oeil’ illusions, and its couture atelier white coats.

A graduate of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Martin Margiela formerly worked as design assistant to Jean Paul Gaultier before showing his first collection under his own label in 1988. Employing a ‘deconstructivist’ approach – monochromatic palette, outsized garments, non-traditional fabrics, the use of recycled materials and exposing the construction of his clothes – Margiela displayed a radically new visual language that diametrically opposed the power dressing of the 1980s.

In deciding to let his fashion speak for itself and remain anonymous, Margiela as a brand is driven by product and sheer invention rather than fad, hype and celebrity often linked to other fashion labels.

Various iconic pieces from both the women and menswear collections are on display, such as the highly replicated ‘Tabi’ boots, as well as specially recreated garments for the exhibition.

This multi-layered exhibition was conceived in close collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela and curated by the Mode Museum, Antwerp.