We Margiela (2017)

Director: Menna Laura Meijer

Country of Origin: Belgium

Language: French, English, Dutch

Duration: 91 minutes

Release Date: 2017

We Margiela is a poignant and introspective documentary that delves into the enigmatic world of Belgian fashion house Maison Margiela, celebrating its innovative spirit and legacy. Directed by Reiner Holzemer, the documentary offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes that have defined the brand’s iconic, boundary-pushing collections over the years. The film features intimate interviews with the brand’s key figures, including longtime collaborators and those who have worked with its mysterious founder, Martin Margiela, who remains absent from the public eye.

This documentary is not merely a chronicle of the brand's history, but an exploration of its profound impact on the fashion world. Through archival footage and present-day reflections, We Margiela highlights the visionary’s commitment to anonymity, subverting the traditional hero worship of designers, and instead emphasizing the collective nature of creation.

The title We Margiela is a deliberate nod to the concept of community and collective effort, mirroring Margiela's philosophy that fashion is an evolving, collaborative process rather than the work of a single creator. It shifts the focus from the designer as an isolated genius to a broader, more inclusive idea of shared ownership. This collaborative spirit, symbolized by the collective "we," underscores the brand’s refusal to adhere to conventional norms and its ongoing dialogue with both its team and audience. The documentary encapsulates this ethos by presenting not only Margiela’s vision but also the hands that brought it to life—collectively shaping a legacy.