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Ann Demeulemeester, who left fashion in 2014 and has largely avoided public life, held a book signing at her Milan flagship for ‘Ann Demeulemeester: Print,’ a volume cataloguing her show invitations. The book was conceived by her son Victor Robyn and published by Hannibal.
Ann Demeulemeester, the Belgian designer who exited fashion in 2014 and has mostly avoided the spotlight since, appeared at her namesake brand’s Milan flagship on Friday night to sign copies of “Ann Demeulemeester: Print,” a new coffee table book cataloguing the show invitations she created across her career. Fans, many dressed in her designs, queued to have their copies signed, according to WWD. The book was published by Hannibal and masterminded by the designer’s son, Victor Robyn.
The book gathers the invitations Demeulemeester produced for her runway shows over decades — materials WWD describes as moody and flecked with shadows and feather motifs, or starkly graphic with minimal practical information. One fall 1990 invitation consisted of white gloves printed with palmistry-inspired lines alongside the collection’s defining themes, including “romantic influence,” “destiny” and “love.”
Demeulemeester said the project originated with her son. “It was an idea of my son, he said, ‘Mum, there are so many beautiful graphics, you have to do a book on it,'” she told WWD at the signing. Of the invitations featured in the volume, she said they are “all very personal” and declined to single out a favorite.
The book’s pages are interspersed with images of tank tops and T-shirts bearing dark romantic designs. It comes in two versions, including a limited edition containing an original spring 1998 show invite and a special folder. It is sold through Hannibal’s e-commerce site, partner bookstores, and the Ann Demeulemeester stores in Milan and Antwerp. The brand, now owned by Antonioli Group and designed by Italian creative Stefano Gallici, supported the launch.
A Rare Appearance by a Reclusive Designer
Friday’s signing marks an uncommon public engagement for a designer who has largely stepped back from fashion since her 2014 departure. Her rare appearances — including her contribution earlier this year to Antwerp’s MoMu exhibition on the Antwerp Six — draw attention precisely because they are infrequent, and they offer collectors and admirers direct access to a figure who shaped Belgian fashion’s international rise.
The book itself serves a preservation function: it catalogues ephemeral print materials, from invitations to garment graphics, that document the visual language of one of the Antwerp Six’s most recognizable names. For the Milan flagship, now operating under Antonioli Group ownership with Gallici as designer, the event also connected the brand’s current retail presence with its founder’s legacy.
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From Antwerp Six Stardom to 2014 Exit
Demeulemeester founded her namesake brand in 1985 with her life and creative partner, Patrick Robyn. She rose to international prominence as part of the Antwerp Six, the group of designers from the small Belgian city — alongside Marina Yee, Dries Van Noten, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs and Dirk Van Saene — who broke through to global stardom.
WWD anointed her “Queen Ann” in a headline following a blockbuster 1995 collection. She bowed out of fashion in 2014 and has since engaged with the industry only occasionally, most recently contributing to the MoMu exhibition “The Antwerp Six,” which remains open until Jan. 17. That exhibition dedicates an entire room to show invitations, including Demeulemeester’s.
“It was an idea of my son, he said, ‘Mum, there are so many beautiful graphics, you have to do a book on it.'”
— Ann Demeulemeester, speaking to WWD at the signing
Details Still Emerging From the Event
WWD’s report does not specify how many attendees the signing drew, the book’s price points, or the size of the limited edition print run. It is also unclear whether Demeulemeester plans further public appearances or signings tied to the book, such as one in Antwerp, where the brand also operates a store. Whether the designer will take on any additional fashion projects beyond the MoMu exhibition contribution remains unknown.
Where to Buy and What Follows
“Ann Demeulemeester: Print” is available now through Hannibal’s e-commerce site, partner bookstores, and the Ann Demeulemeester stores in Milan and Antwerp. Readers interested in the designer’s broader output can visit the MoMu exhibition “The Antwerp Six” in Antwerp before it closes on Jan. 17. Any additional launch events or appearances would be announced by the brand or publisher.
Key Questions
What is ‘Ann Demeulemeester: Print’ about?
It is a coffee table book, published by Hannibal, cataloguing the show invitations Ann Demeulemeester created across her career, alongside images of tank tops and T-shirts bearing her dark romantic designs.
Where did the book signing take place?
At the Ann Demeulemeester flagship store in Milan on Friday evening, with support from the brand’s owner, Antonioli Group.
Who conceived the book?
The project was masterminded by Demeulemeester’s son, Victor Robyn, who encouraged her to compile her graphic work into a book.
Is there a limited edition?
Yes. A limited edition includes an original spring 1998 show invite and a special folder, sold alongside the standard edition.
Where can the book be purchased?
Through Hannibal’s e-commerce site, partner bookstores, and the Ann Demeulemeester stores in Milan and Antwerp.
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