Q1. When you started Maison Martin Margiela, how many people did you have on staff apart from yourself (Martin Margiela) and Jenny Meirens? What were their specialties (work content)? And at the start, what was the philosophy that you thought to put in the axis?
A1. This one is going to be easy: only two, Jenny and Martin. 20 years later, we are 76 from 16 nationalities and all ages. The philosophy is still the same today: the team work, the clothes speak for us, never take anything for granted, question all that seems established.
Q7. Looking back at your creations over 20 years, what is the thing that changed most?
A7. The fashion industry hasn't changed, it's just evolved. It seemed like so hard at our times, especially compared to the 70s where everyone was so enthusiastic and ready for changes. But it's even harder today and it will perhaps be even more so tomorrow. In the late 80s, it was more naive, the stakes were present but we still believed. Today, to believe isn't sufficient anymore. You have to combine all the parameters, the quality, delivery schedules, the press...However, it's very promising and inspiring in a way, that regardless of these difficulties, new talents and innovative ideas still appear. Also, Internet has changed everything. Globalisation didn't exist.
Q8. What does it mean to you to be "creative" ? Please give a specific definition.
A8. Open a new track, to have an alternative vision.
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