Maison Martin Margiela co-founder Jenny Meirens has died, aged 73. Meirens passed away at her home in Puglia, Italy on Saturday following a long illness, it has been confirmed.
Representatives for Maison Margiela have also acknowledged Meirens death, posting a photo by Anders Edstrom of her hugging Margiela on the label's official Instagram page.
"In memory of Jenny Meirens, business partner of Martin Margiela and one of the visionaries behind the scenes at Maison Margiela," the snap was captioned.
Margiela and Meirens launched Maison Martin Margiela in 1988, initially working out of a Paris apartment until they opened a small boutique in the city. Known for deconstructive and avant-garde creations and use of unconventional materials, the company eventually expanded to both haute couture and ready-to-wear, as well as menswear and jewellery lines.
Prior to working with Margiela, Meirens also championed a number of other Belgian designers, and ran Crea, a company which represented brands such as France Andrevie and Yohji Yamamoto. She also introduced the first Comme des Garcons store in the country.
Meirens had opted to keep a low profile since she and Margiela retired from the business in 2002, when Maison Martin Margiela was sold to Renzo Rosso's OTB, and became known as Maison Margiela.
However, a documentary and book produced by Mint Film Office featuring Meirens titled We Margiela is slated for release later this year.
"When you want to please others and everyone, you will get nowhere. I think you have to diversify yourself from others. In the long run, it will give you the freedom not to answer to the system," said Meirens in a statement about the project.
According to the We Margiela website, Margiela and Meirens were no longer in touch following their departure from the fashion brand.
Meirens is survived by her two children.