Drawing inspiration from rave party posters, transforming local markets and climbing gyms into fashion show venues, and designing menswear that appeals equally to women—this is the work of British designer Martine Rose.
Born with Jamaican heritage, Martine Rose grew up frequenting nightclubs and parties with her older sister and cousins. These experiences introduced her to the world of fashion, as the tracksuits, oversized sweatshirts, and vibrant color palettes popular in 1990s nightlife later became key elements of her designs.
Her creations lean heavily into streetwear, blending the unique with the unconventional. This distinct aesthetic caught the eye of Balenciaga Creative Director Demna, who invited her to join as a menswear consultant, catapulting both her and her brand to greater prominence.
One of Martine Rose’s defining features is her fusion of masculine and feminine qualities. She often incorporates traditionally feminine materials like satin and shimmer into her designs but balances them with masculine tailoring and silhouettes. As someone who frequently wears menswear mixed with womenswear in her daily life, this perspective deeply informs her work. Remarkably, despite designing exclusively for men, 30–40% of her customers are women, underscoring her ability to transcend traditional gender boundaries in fashion.
Through her designs, Martine Rose reminds us that fashion is fundamentally about freedom. Labels? Merely suggestions.