Ann Demeulemeester graduated in 1981 from the fashion department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
In 1982 she won the first Gouden Spoel (Golden Spindle, an annual prize awarded to the most promising young fashion designer).
During the first years of her career she worked as a freelance designer for several manufacturers. In 1985 she founded BVBA "32", together with her husband, the photographer Patrick Robyn. Her first collection hit the shops in the autumn of 1987.
In 1992 Ann Demeulemeester gave her first catwalk show in Paris. Four years later she presented her first men's collection during the Paris fashion week. Also in 1996 she lent her creativity and name to the furniture collection Table Blanche for Bulo.
In 1999 she opened her flagship store on the Leopold De Waelplaats, the square in front of the Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Ann Demeulemeester's style is consequent and recognisable. Sober at first - the silhouettes are often straight and look severe – but rich in sophisticated volumes, exclusive materials and unexpected details. She wants to create a poetic rock 'n roll feel in the style of Patti Smith and has even presented an homage to her during the exhibition "Strange Messenger: The work of Patti Smith" (Haus der Kunst, Munich).
A highly developed sense of perfection is Ann Demeulemeester's trademark. Her collections are always a reflection of their times, but nevertheless transcend both time and trends. In periods of colour and frivolity her palette remains calm and collected.
Sometimes the link between fashion and art becomes very visible, for example in the summer collection of 2000, when she worked together with artist Jim Dine. She integrated some of his images in her designs, not merely as a print but as an artwork that has taken on the shape of an item of clothing.
that beautifully captures essense and subtleties of her design philosophy. It's a long interview, so click "continue" on each page. Lots of images inside. Enjoy (I sure did)!
yes baby...you're excellent... 
