Martin Margiela graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 1980, and went to work as an assistent of Jean-Paul Gaultier in Paris. Meanwhile he teamed up with Jenny Meirens and five years later his first fashion show took place in Paris. Maison Martin Margiela was a fact. He worked with different themes, like the reproduction of materials and deconstruction of patterns and shapes. In 2009, Martin Margiela withdrew discreetly from the company, which still bears his name.