Ann Demeulemeester, born Ann Demeulemeester-Verhelst in 1959, is a Belgian fashion designer renowned for her avant-garde and distinctive style. Demeulemeester is one of the members of Antwerp Six, an group of highly influential Belgian designers who gained prominence in the 1980s. Initially studying art with a focus on portraiture, she discovered her passion for clothing design and attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp from 1978 to 1981. In 1985, Demeulemeester launched her eponymous label, Ann Demeulemeester, in collaboration with her husband, Patrick Robyn. Her brand gained global recognition, and she became one of the first designers to showcase both men’s and women’s collections in a single presentation. Demeulemeester’s designs are known for their distinct and avant-garde qualities, often blending elements of Victorian aesthetics, romanticism, and a touch of rebellion.