If you love the dark, poetic, and masterfully tailored world of Ann Demeulemeester, you know her style is more than just clothing - it's an attitude. Her blend of moody romanticism, flowing silhouettes, and avant-garde construction is truly one of a kind.
For those looking to expand their wardrobe with designs that capture a similar rebellious and artistic spirit, there are other brands that hit that sweet spot between wearable and conceptual. Here are 17 brands that any Ann Demeulemeester fan should have on their radar.
Often considered the king of modern goth, Rick Owens delivers a dark, edgy aesthetic focused on sculptural silhouettes and luxurious materials. From avant-garde boots to dramatic oversized outerwear, his work exudes a rebellious, high-concept vibe. While Rick Owens leans into a grittier and more dramatic look, both he and Ann share a deep love for minimalist sophistication, expert draping, and the power of a monochrome palette.
Shop now at rickowens.eu
Acne Studios is your go-to for Scandinavian minimalism with an unmistakably cool and innovative twist. The brand offers sleek tailoring, oversized knitwear, and cult-favorite accessories in a mostly muted color story. While more refined and less gothic than Ann Demeulemeester, Acne Studios shares an appreciation for experimental shapes and high-quality fabrics, making it perfect for the modern minimalist who wants pieces with an avant-garde edge.
Shop now at acnestudios.com
A true master of the avant-garde, Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto is celebrated for his oversized, asymmetrical garments that feel both poetic and powerful. His collections are an exploration of form, featuring flowing black fabrics, masterful layering, and couture-level craftsmanship. Like Demeulemeester, Yamamoto’s work has a moody, artistic soul, though his approach is often more theatrical and sculptural. Both brands are for those who view fashion as a true art form.
Shop now at yohjiyamamoto.co.jp
Jil Sander is the epitome of luxurious, intelligent minimalism. Known for beautifully clean lines, exceptional fabrics, and understated elegance, the brand offers a more polished aesthetic than Ann Demeulemeester's rebellious vibe. However, both place a huge emphasis on craftsmanship and timeless, thoughtful design. If you're drawn to impeccable tailoring and a sophisticated, subtle edge, Jil Sander is a perfect choice.
Shop now at jilsander.com
Maison Margiela is iconic for its deconstructed and conceptual approach to fashion, turning classic garments on their head with raw edges, experimental silhouettes, and repurposed materials. The brand’s avant-garde philosophy runs parallel to Demeulemeester’s rebellious spirit, but Margiela pushes it further into the realm of wearable art. It’s for the truly daring fashion lover who wants pieces that challenge convention.
Shop now at maisonmargiela.com
Known for blurring the line between fashion and art, Viktor & Rolf creates collections that are theatrical, surreal, and wonderfully expressive. Their ready-to-wear includes sculptural dresses, exaggerated shapes, and dark romantic elements that echo Ann Demeulemeester's poetic aesthetic. While famous for their show-stopping couture, their accessible pieces still carry that same edgy, conceptual DNA.
Shop now at viktor-rolf.com
Few designers understand luxurious, fluid tailoring like Haider Ackermann. His collections are known for their exceptional draping, rich layered textures, and deep, moody color palettes. The aesthetic masterfully combines effortless sophistication with a subtle rebellious edge, making it a very close cousin to Ann Demeulemeester’s dark romanticism. It's avant-garde elegance at its best.
Shop now at haiderackermann.com
Also a member of the iconic Antwerp Six, Dries Van Noten is celebrated for his intellectual and artistic approach, creating collections rich in texture, print, and sophisticated layering. While his aesthetic is often more colorful and eclectic than Ann's, they share a deep-seated love for unconventional beauty and beautifully crafted statement pieces. Dries offers a more bohemian and vibrant take on wearable art.
Shop now at driesvannoten.com
Under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, Loewe has become a powerhouse of artisanal craftsmanship and surreal, avant-garde design. Famed for its cult leather goods, the brand's ready-to-wear is equally experimental and sculptural. Loewe shares Ann Demeulemeester's love for disrupting classic forms, fusing traditional techniques with a hyper-modern and artistic vision.
Shop now at loewe.com
Since Hedi Slimane took the helm, Celine has become synonymous with a sleek, edgy, rock-and-roll aesthetic. Sharp tailoring, black leather, and a mostly monochrome palette are the cornerstones of the brand. While more streamlined and less deconstructed than Demeulemeester's work, Slimane's Celine shares that same rebellious sophistication and love for a flawlessly executed dark wardrobe.
Shop now at celine.com
The Row offers quiet, ultra-luxurious minimalism perfected. Known for impeccable tailoring, the finest materials money can buy, and perfectly timeless silhouettes, the brand is far more subdued than Ann Demeulemeester. However, beneath the calm surface is a commitment to craftsmanship and an understated elegance that will deeply resonate with anyone who appreciates the art of construction and a subtle avant-garde sensibility.
Shop now at therow.com
Issey Miyake is a true innovator, legendary for his technology-driven approach to fashion, particularly his signature garment-pleating techniques. Miyake’s work is sculptural, technically brilliant, and conceptually groundbreaking. The brand’s experimental spirit and love for artistic innovation align perfectly with the Demeulemeester ethos, appealing to those who appreciate ingenuity and wearable art.
Shop now at isseymiyake.com
The diffusion line of its mainline counterpart, DRKSHDW delivers the signature Rick Owens Goth-glam aesthetic at a slightly more accessible price point. The focus is on casual staples - think elevated denim, jersey, and outerwear - all done with the same oversized silhouette and avant-garde spirit. It’s the perfect entry point if you love Ann's rebellious shapes but want something for everyday wear.
Shop now at rickowens.eu
Another iconic Belgian label, A.F. Vandevorst is cherished for its dark, romantic, and beautifully deconstructed designs. Their collections often channel a compelling mixture of uniforms and sensuality, featuring layered textures and a gothic edge that feel very close in spirit to Ann Demeulemeester's aesthetic. A poetic and intellectual brand for true fashion connoisseurs.
Damir Doma creates clothing that feels serene, intellectual, and poetic. The designs focus on pure, fluid silhouettes, textured natural fabrics, and oversized shapes in a minimal palette. The mood connects deeply with Ann Demeulemeester's world, but Doma’s approach often feels more pared-back and carries a raw, utilitarian edge. It's perfect for those who lean towards structured draping and a modern, understated aesthetic.
Shop now at damirdoma.com
Known for blending classic French elegance with a street-savvy, edgy twist, Julien David offers a unique point of view. His collections often incorporate dark color palettes, unexpected proportions, and innovative fabrics. While maybe less starkly gothic than Ann Demeulemeester, the designer shares a love for experimental shapes and creating a wardrobe that is both refined and rebellious.
Shop now at julien-david.com
German designer Annette Gortz is a master of avant-garde womenswear with an architectural sensibility. Her collections are known for unconventional silhouettes, thoughtful asymmetry, and a sophisticated, often monochromatic color palette. If you love the intellectual, non-conformist spirit of Ann Demeulemeester, you will appreciate Annette Gortz's unique approach to crafting artistic, sculptural, and highly wearable pieces.
Shop now at annettegoertz.com
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