Ann Demeulemeester To Step Down From Her Namesake Line

It's official: Ann Demeulemeester is leaving Ann Demeulemeester. And, while designers' shuffles and exits are expected every season, it's a bit more surprising when they leave a brand that bears their own name. Having lead her label for the past 26 years, it seems like the time has come for the designer to shift her focus onto her personal life. She made this announcement to her staff: "Ann Demeulemeester is an adult brand now with its own identity and legacy that is able to continue growing without me. I trust the company and the people that worked hard with me. We prepared this step together and they feel ready to bring the brand further into the future.”

One thing's for sure: Demeulemeester has certainly created a strong identity in the industry. We look forward to her dark, edgy, and often avant-garde collections and equally rad Fashion Week presentations each season. But, as she says, with a strong team behind her, the brand will continue to stay true to itself. Demeulemeester, one of the original "Antwerp Six" designers, will present with the brand one last time for the fall '14 collections. As reported by The Business Of Fashion, it's suspected that managing director Anne Chapelle will take a majority stake in the company. (BOF)