Some of the most prominent fashion designers have turned into full-on public figures. What would a Kendall Jenner Instagram in Dubai be if Balmain's Olivier Rousteing wasn't in it with her? Some are larger than life, leading their labels further into the public eye. But a select few avoid not only press, but public appearances in general. i-D rounded up a few of the more secretive and private designers in fashion.
The obvious selection here is Martin Margiela, but the crop also includes Comme Des Garcons chief Rei Kawakubo, Supreme figurehead James Jebbia and Céline's Phoebe Philo. Jebbia is well-known for avoiding the press because he believes it doesn't exactly understand Supreme and when pieces of his life do get to the presses, they're coveted by loyal Supreme followers. Philo and Kawakubo both prefer to let their work and design do the talking. Philo famously refused to move her family from London to Paris for the Céline gig, while stories about Kawakubo makes a monk's vow of silence seem tame. She simply doesn't enjoy speaking according to her partner Adrian Joffe. She couldn't even say it for herself!
While quieter designers are rare these days, this short list shows that many times silence is an indicator of just how strong their brands are. Supreme, CDG and Céline are amongst the more prominent labels and brands in fashion and the work does the talking instead of the designers, unlike some of our more outspoken friends.
