An unprecedented sale is coming to Paris on July 9, 2026. It is that of the personal archives of Martin Margiela, an internationally renowned Belgian designer who, despite his discretion in showing himself in public or making statements, has gained recognition from what matters, namely the brilliance of his work.
The auction of Martin Margiela’s personal archives is not only an occasion for aficionados, but also marks an unprecedented moment: in fact, it is the first time that a living designer has collaborated directly with an auction house to offer for sale his personal archive of clothes and creations. Organized by Maurice Auction in collaboration with Kerry Taylor Auctions, it will consist of more than 200 lots spanning the designer’s entire career.
A period from 1984 to 2008 and is composed of photographs, drawings and objects: from his creations for Canette d’Or in Antwerp in 1984 until 2008, when he decided to leave Maison Martin Margiela to devote himself to personal projects. Some pieces, however, were made at a later time, during the pandemic.
“After long reflection, it was the idea of making several collectors and institutions happy that finally convinced me to send them out into the world,” said Martin Margiela. SalomĂ© Pirson, commissioner and auctioneer of the sale, added instead, “Martin Margiela is a creative genius, and his archives reveal the breadth of his thinking, not only about clothing but, more generally, about human beings. His archives also show how deeply he has inspired new generations of designers; his work is timeless. This is not just selling fashion: we are far beyond the concept of clothing.”
[📸 maisonmargiela.com]
