YOHJI YAMAMOTO
1989 - 1994
I started as area sales manager and 2 years later appointed commercial director for Europe.
We were overseeing the top 150 stores in Europe.
During this time, I also conducted the introduction of the brand Y’s in Europe.
This first experience got me to discover an amazing designer, aesthetic and culture.
The Yohji shows will stay as indelibly stamped memories...
MARTIN MARGIELA
1997 - 2006
Through these 10 years working at the Maison Martin Margiela, I had the chance to fulfil different positions.
Between 1997 and 2000, I worked as an internal auditor (together with fellow colleague Didier Bolze) and brand developer. Out of this period, different projects came out: Line 10 mens Margiela, MM6, The shoe collection, a Japanese subsidiary, new licensees.
From 2000 and 2005, I took the lead of the Japanese Subsidiary “kokonoe” and had to spend 50% of my time in Tokyo. From 2002, as “the Maison” got taken over by the Diesel group, Renzo Rosso, (founder Diesel) asked me to become the commercial director, a position that I took till 2005.
My job was mostly focused around the staff management, set up of key accounts, interaction with Staff Int. , which was already then, the production and distribution company for Margiela.
These years at Margiela gave me the chance to meet extremely talented, enlightened and compassionate people and this, I need to say, all through these 10 years.
15 years later, whenever I return to one of the boutiques, the aesthetic, the fundamentals of the brand are still shining. It shows how much Martin and Jenny’s legacy still resonates.
MARTIN MARGIELA JAPAN
2000 - 2006
In 1999, as a development manager, we made the decision to open a subsidiary in Japan.
A joint venture was set up with Mitsubishi Co.
A new team was hired, numerous stores were opened (actually the first Margiela store opened in Ebisu in 2000) and most important, Margiela was not anymore in the hands of a distribution company but in its own hands.
In terms of management, this CEO position gave me the possibility to swing between the old and new Japan and on a more personal level, discover this fascinating country.
AF VANDEVORST
2000 - 2006
Together with fellow colleague Jerome Helffer, our first mission was to set up a new strategic plan. In order to do so, we audited the company and brought a new investor.
For six years, we assisted the company at 360 degrees. From finance to collection build up, from commercial development to new projects.
An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx are, without a doubt, amazing talents and far from being severe, their style was directional, hedonistic and sensuous.
CHRISTIAN WIJNANTS
2010 - 2016
My very mission was first to help him to find financial perspectives, which we did with Cultuur invest, later on with the PMV Group.
My other mission was to help the company to develop. In order to do so, my main concern was to make sure that product, image and sales do interact in a positive spiral.
Since 2016, I have been part of the board committee, which gives me the possibility to continue to bring input and opportunities wherever it is needed.
ISABEL MARANT
2011 - 2015
Business in Asia was structurally weak. My mission was therefore to find new partnerships and for the already running licensees, re-set perspectives and processes. In order to do so, my ambition was to make sure that besides the commercial objectives, the right approach in terms of quality and communication, would prevail on all aspects, including the retail
In Korea, we re-set our contract with LF Corp, leading to the opening of 20 stores, 1 flagship and 2 outlets. Contrary to most brands that went for a very exclusive approach, the idea was to extend the distribution network, provision a high marketing budget, and re-set a strong quality approach on all levels.
In Japan, a deal was concluded with the Tomorrow land group. Thanks to architects “Cigue”, a beautiful flagship store called “ Yellow house” was built nearby Omotesando. A strong wholesale network was developed, and a series of events helped put the brand back in the heart of opinion leaders and consumers.
In China, together with IT Co., a few more stores in HK and Shanghai have been set up, leading to some impactful events. Parallel to this, the visibility rose as the number of sales points increased. 7 years ago, HK partners were still very strong in China. Some contacts were made with a Chinese distribution company that led a few years later to new deals.
TOM GREYHOUND
2013 - 2014
Part of the Korean “Hyundai” group, the Tom Greyhound Boutiques and Shop in Shop stand for the edgy side of retail.
My mission was to help set up a flagship store in Paris that will stand for the group avant-garde ambitions.
In just a little more than 6 months, a place was found, right in the heart of the Marais district, architects appointed, a store general ambiance decided, and both edgy and institutional, brand contacted.
Tom Greyhound opened its doors in March 2014. The eclectic 2 stories, the amazing brand line up and great staff made the difference.
I loved this mission. It was fun, retail driven and for the first time got me the chance to work as a buyer.
DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER
2015 - 2019
Dorothee’s will-power, curiosity and energy is never out of stock and it is for these reasons, this brand is rising up the ladder of fame and success season after season.
I started as a consultant in 2015 before working as a brand developer till 2017. During these two years, we were able to curve the way the company was looking at itself in order to make it more open and honest and consequently able to face the future challenges. The product was the priority.
By then the brand was more creative and solid as ever and most importantly, could offer a very qualitative product.
Between 2017 till 2019 and , I returned working as a consultant, allocating HR resources and setting up new projects, notably in Asia.
ETUDES STUDIO
2019 - 2023
Based in Paris, Etudes is a leading streetwear influenced designer brand.
My mission is to help structuring the brand’s presence in Asia and in China particularly. In order to do so, a distribution and retail / manufacturing partner have been selected. We have incorporated a company and in parallel, built a franchise network, a T-Mall store and push the brand visibility through both social media and a collaboration with Fila China. Our overall objective was to optimise the brand's long term presence and avoid the yo-yo effect.
DAVID KOMA
2019 - CURRENT
Currently leader in the Body-con movement, the ex Thierry Mugler creative director asked me to help him build a new strategic and financial plan for the years to come.
My first mission was to come up with a strategic and financial plan leading to a new capitalistic configuration. Deal done.
We are now working the implementation of a new plan focusing on both marketing and sales optimisation. Work in progress.
MARINE SERRE
2020 - CURRENT
No need to define Marine Serre, so much she has become a landmark for avant garde design. Her point of view, aesthetic and processes have reached an amazing level of both excellence and visibility.
My mission is across the board but I would say my point of focus has been on giving the company a more long-term strategic prism assessing the situation tomorrow in order to better grasp what is to be done today.
Marine Serre's message is both radical and unique. The company runs and grows very fast. From a start-up, 6 years ago, the company is entering into a new phase switching from being an experimental start-up to a proper house offering not only a product but also a political message.
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