Knowing about the life of designers and creative managers helps us to better understand their working style and the process of creating their lasting works. In addition, this information can be an inspiration in our field of study and work as a newcomer to the world of fashion. One of the designers you have probably heard of in the past decades is Haider Ackerman; The design that Karl Lagerfeld has mentioned as one of the most talented designers and a worthy person to succeed him at Chanel.
In this article from Kamd magazine, we are going to take a look at Akerman’s career. Stay with us until the end of this article.
A brief biography of Haider Ackerman
Haider Ackerman (Haider Ackermann) is a Colombian fashion designer born in 1971. Due to the influence of Yves Saint Laurent’s works on him, Akerman went to Belgium to study fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Ackerman worked as an intern with John Galliano for 5 months before starting his official career. Then he started working as an assistant to Belgian fashion designer Wim Niels. He spent all his time getting to know the profession and trying to build a good resume for himself.
A summary of Akerman’s career activities
Generally, his work style is known for its inspiration from different cultures and the use of unpredictable palettes and delicate details. In fact, the work he creates includes the contrast and combination of study codes that are affected by cultural differences. Usually, he produces his works based on simple but asymmetrical cuts, using different materials to make clothes, insisting on modern and dynamic urban areas and diverse cultural sources along with delicate yet complex silhouettes for women’s street styles.
Of course, this point should not be ignored that Akerman only on clothes Ready-To-Wear He did not focus and as a guest designer for the haute couture spring and summer 2023 collection, Jean-Paul Gaultier has designed this collection. Ackerman said about this collaboration experience: “It was like a gift for me and I was really proud to do it.”
As we said at the beginning, Ackerman began his career by interning and working as an assistant fashion designer with the likes of John Galliano at Dior, Bernhard Wilhelm (German fashion designer) and Patrick van Omselge (Belgian fashion designer).
In 2001, by creating his own label, he presented his first women’s collection at Paris Fashion Week; This was the starting point for him to be recognized for his extraordinary skill in presenting avant-garde works. With the 2002 collection, Ackerman attracted the attention of a leading specialist group in the field of leather clothing production, House of Ruffo, and they hired him to supervise and manage the spring-summer and autumn-winter 2003 collections.
In 2004, Ackermann won the Swiss Textile Award. He signed a contract in 2005 and went to Paris with a Belgian group called BVBA 32-In order to obtain financial support- he set up his own studio in Paris. Finally, in 2013, due to the premium growth of Akerman’s label, the group separated him as an independent entity and identity.
At the time of Ackerman’s presence in Paris, there were talks about his selection as the head of several prominent fashion houses such as Dior and Martin Margiela.
In 2011 he was a guest designer for the exhibition Pitti Immagine It was chosen in Florence. It was here that Akerman unveiled his first men’s collection and was met with critical acclaim; As a result, he presented his second men’s collection in 2013 at Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
In 2016, Ackerman as the creative director of the Berloti brand (Berluti) was selected. Berloti was the only men’s luxury brand under the shadow of LVMH* He was working. Ackerman finally left the brand after 3 seasons.
From 2018, Akerman announced that with the spring and summer shows of 2019, joint shows or Ed-Co** will turn.
Ackerman also has experience working with sportswear brands; For example, for the spring and summer 2023 collection with the brand Fila has cooperated.
Ackerman’s presence as the first creative director of a Canadian brand
In the last week, the news that Haider Ackerman has been appointed as the first creative director of the brand Canada Goose Appointed, released. About joining this brand, Akerman said that what drew him to this brand is not only that they have been able to have a category of their own, but also that their motivation, reputation and credibility in achieving their goal has been influential for him. According to Akerman, the influence of this brand in the surrounding world is meaningful and inspiring.
It is interesting to know that Ackerman, at the beginning of his work for this brand, made a special hoodie in four colors for $275 to support PBI which is a non-profit and international company to preserve and support polar bears. Akerman introduced this product on his Instagram by wearing this hoodie alongside Jane Fonda (American actress and long-time environmentalist).
Also, according to this brand, his first capsule collection will be released in October.
brand Canada Goose It has been operating since 1950. This brand was early in the form of a company called Metro Sportswear LTD was founded by Sam Thicke in Toronto and specializes in raincoats, vests, and suits for automobiles and snowmobiles.
Later with a label called Snow Goose Continued until finally Canada Goose became
The head of this brand said about the collaboration with Akerman: “When it comes to the juxtaposition of beauty, mastery, and skill, no one is more suitable than Haider Akerman. He sees this brand as more than just a brand name and understands very well the authenticity, craftsmanship and performance that are the main foundations of our brand. With his ability to harness the energy and potential of our original heritage, we look forward to seeing the effects of Akerman’s presence in our designs.”
In another article of the closet magazine, titled “Creative Warriors: The record of turnover of creative managers in recent months”, we have written about the most common reason for the turnover of creative managers of brands. Reading this article will help you in this regard.
Costume design for Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton
In Heydar Akerman’s career, costume design and collaboration with two actors are frequently seen. Akerman has designed many of Timothée Chalamet’s enduring looks (such as Met Gala 2021, Venice festivals, etc.) and Tilda Swinton’s (Cannes festival looks) in various events.
Below you can see some of the clothes designed by Akerman for these two celebrities.
- Collaboration between Chalami and Akerman_ Hoodie design to support Afghan children and women
- Timothée Chalamet’s first appearance at the Oscars in a dress by Berluti-2018
- Attending the Toronto International Festival in 2018
- In a dress by Akerman and Rick Owens at the Met Gala – 2021
- Movie preview DUNE 2
- Venice Film Festival 2019
- Some of the looks designed by Akerman for Tilda Swinton at the Cannes Film Festival
- Cannes Festival 2021
- Cannes Festival 2019
- Cannes Film Festival 2017
Some examples of Akerman’s works
- 2017 spring and summer collection
- Autumn and winter 2018 collection
- Collaborate with Fila In the collection of sports clothes – spring and summer 2023
- Jean Paul Gaultier spring and summer 2023 haute couture collection
last word
From Haider Ackermann’s work as an intern and assistant designer to becoming a creative director and working with Jean-Paul Gaultier, this path can be inspiring for those interested in working in fashion.
Tell us which designer and creative director has inspired you in your academic and career path?
* The large French company that was created with the aim of producing luxury and high-quality products in various sectors such as clothing, leather products, perfumes, jewelry, etc., and various big brands are under its category; Brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Berloti, Loewe and…
** A mixed fashion show where male and female models walk the catwalk to show off the clothes.
Sources:
www.businessoffashion.com
fashionelite.com
www.voguebusiness.com
www.famousfashiondesigners.org
www.showstudio.com
www.wmagazine.com
www.gq.com
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