Renowned for his innovative and sophisticated design aesthetic, Haider Ackermann has gained both critical acclaim and the favor of fellow designers alike for his signature androgynous silhouettes and modern drape forms.

Born in Colombia, Ackermann was adopted by a French mapmaker with homes in Ethiopia, Chad, Algeria and France before finally settling in the Netherlands.

Inspired by the work of Yves Saint Laurent, Ackermann enrolled in the fashion design course at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1994, but, due to his perfectionist tendencies, was expelled after failing to complete any of his assigned collections. After an internship with John Galliano and stints assisting designers including Bernhard Wilhelm, Patrick Van Ommeslaeghe and Mayerline, he founded his namesake women’s line in 2001 and relocated to Paris.

In 2005 he signed onto Belgian group BVBA 32 alongside his contemporary Ann Demeulemeester, which provided him the financial backing to finally launch his menswear line in 2011, after being approached by both Dior and Margiela to head up their labels.

Ackermann has since been dubbed "the new Yves Saint Laurent," with Karl Lagerfeld himself stating how Ackermann would be the perfect candidate to succeed him at Chanel. With high profile clientele including Janet Jackson, Penélope Cruz, Tilda Swinton, Victoria Beckham and, maybe his most visible fan, Kanye West, Ackermann has no doubt become one of the most influential designers of our day.

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