Martin Margiela: In His Own Words

Director Reiner Holzemer’s resourceful documentary celebrates the life and work of infamously media-shy Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela, who only appears onscreen here in the form of voice-over and hands. Holzemer meticulously extracts as much information as possible on Margiela’s early life, inspirational spell as an assistant to Jean Paul Gaultier, uncompromising break-out success, and surprise retirement from the industry to become a visual artist. His outlandish designs and unorthodox catwalk shows, which often featured found objects and amateur models recruited via street casting, make MARTIN MARGIELA: IN HIS OWN WORDS a highly engaging film even for total high-fashion agnostics.