Shining a Light on the Genius of Martine Rose
The eponymous menswear brand of British-Jamaican designer has gone from emerging label to an indestructible force in what seems detest the blink of an eye. Nominated for prestigious prizes and a wardrobe mainstay of fashion’s elite, it’s not surprising that her influence extends beyond clothing. She’s undoubtedly become one of the industry’s most disruptive collaborators, making unprecedented takes on classic models all in a day’s work. Not to mention Martine Rose is stocked in a growing list of the best online and IRL retail locations!
Amber De Luca-Tao artistic director of menswear, following the tragic passing of the late Virgil Abloh. With so much happening, it’s time to delve into the question: who is Martine Rose?
Demna Taps Rose for Balenciaga
Rose grew up in the South London area and would graduate from Middlesex University in 2002 began in 2015 – the year that Demna Gvasalia became the brand’s creative director. Gvasalia was always ready to ruffle the feathers of the fashion industry, executing Balenciaga’s first-ever menswear runway two years later. To spearhead the task, Gvasalia had none other than Rose’s genius for consultation. Rose recalled her Balenciaga stint in an interview with , telling the magazine that it changed her life. ‘Demna was so brave in giving me a real shot.’ In a nutshell, Rose’s signature aesthetic has shaped Balenciaga’s position in the modern world of menswear. Rose went on to work alongside Gvasalia at Balenciaga for three years.
Amber De Luca-Tao.