Ann Demeulemeester announced her exit from fashion with a handwritten letter with a fountain pen, signed at the end with an "X" to represent a single kiss.
Demeulemeester is one of the original Antwerp Six who helped put the small Belgian city on the fashion map and is known for her polished tailoring and dark glamour. She said she had prepared her exit with the company, controlled by entrepreneur Anne Chapelle, "and they feel ready to bring the brand further into the future."
"As a young girl, I dreamed of having a voice in fashion," she wrote. "I worked hard to realize this dream and now I feel that I accomplished this mission. I have always followed my own path.
"A new time is coming both for my personal life and the brand Ann Demeulemeester. I feel it's time to separate our paths."
Demeulemeester added that her brand is now an adult "with its own identity and legacy that is able to continue growing without me. I trust the company and the people that worked with me."
She wrote in the note, "I want to thank all of you with all my heart for the trust and support you have given me. I feel proud of what we realized together."
When asked if Anne will be replaced, Chapelle
told WWD via e-mail, "There is a full team ready in the house, trained by Ann over many years. Nothing will change"
