They are not only lovers, but also colleagues: In the fashion industry there are many collaborations that go beyond the office and their successes inspire the younger generation. Being in love and working together is a crazy bet that some have taken on nonetheless. Her love is reflected in her creations.
Rick Owens and Michele Lamy
A trained criminal defense attorney, Michèle Lamy is far more than just a muse to Rick Owens. She came to Los Angeles in the 1980s, opened two restaurants there and launched her eponymous ready-to-wear brand. She met Rick Owens in her shop and hired him. Born in Porterville in 1962, the designer studied at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles for two years before leaving everything behind. At first he worked in a boutique, a first job that would radically change his life. After they met, Michèle Lamy became his mentor, encouraging him and pushing him to surpass himself. As a colleague and muse, she was and is by his side in the key moments of his career and vice versa.
Dolce & Gabbana
The designer duo Dolce & Gabbana needs no introduction. In 1985, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded their brand in Legnano, northwest of Milan. Dolce & Gabbana is today one of the leading Italian luxury brands with an international reputation. In 2012, its sales reached $1 billion.
Domenico Dolce, born in 1958, began his career as a designer in his father’s company. After studying fashion, he moved to Milan and worked as a fashion designer. There he met Stefano Gabbana. Stefano initially worked as a graphic designer before switching to fashion design. In 1982 they opened their studio in Milan with an initial investment of just $1,000. The brand quickly became a great success. In addition to clothing, Dolce & Gabbana also produces leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics.
Unfortunately, beautiful things (sometimes) come to an end, and the couple announced their private split in 2005. However, the two continue to work together and remain close. In an interview with the daily Il Corriere della Sera published in 2018, the two explained that they felt an extraordinary bond.
Andreas Kronthaler and Vivienne Westwood
In 1965 Vivienne Westwood met Malcolm McLaren, with whom she founded a very successful punk fashion boutique in 1971. The two were in a relationship but never married and have a son together. Then in 1993 she married a former student, Andreas Kronthaler. The couple also work together professionally, and Andreas Kronthaler is now the artistic director of the Vivienne Westwood brand. He stepped out of her shadow a bit in 2016 when they released the line Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood together.
Lucie and Luke Meier for Jil Sander
Designer couple Lucie and Luke Meier were appointed artistic directors of minimalist brand Jil Sander in April 2017. Swiss national Lucie Meier served as interim artistic director at Dior alongside Serge Ruffieux between the departure of Raf Simons in October 2015 and the arrival of Maria Grazia Chiuri in July 2016. Luke Meier was a designer for New York streetwear label Supreme before co-founding menswear brand OAMC.
Maria and Jörg Koch, 032c
The Berlin art, fashion and culture magazine 032c has long been known beyond the borders of Germany and is considered the bible of the international hip crowd. It was founded by married couple Jörg and Maria Koch in 2000. Launching their own collection, designed by Maria Koch, was the logical next step.
Anna Lundbäck Dyhr and Frederik Dyhr for Joseph
In October 2020, Parisian fashion brand Joseph appointed two new co-creative directors: Anna Lundbäck Dyhr and Frederik Dyhr. Anna Lundbäck Dyhr has been with Joseph since 2018. She has also worked at Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Uniqlo U and Cos. Her partner, Frederik Dyhr, joined Joseph in September 2020. He was previously creative director for menswear at Tommy Hilfiger and worked at Belstaff and Burberry.
Jonak
The Jonak story began in 1964 with Marcel and Josette Nakam. That year, the couple opened their first shoe store. “Jonak” is an amalgamation of Josette and Joseph (the wife’s and son’s first names) and Nakam, the family name. Jonak now has 90 points of sale in France and several shops internationally.
Ganni
The label was founded in 2000 by gallery owner Frans Truelsen. In 2009 the brand was taken over by the Reffstrup couple. While Nicolaj Reffstrup acts as CEO, his partner Ditte Reffstrup is appointed artistic director. The brand is available from over 600 retailers worldwide and has 27 stores in Europe and the US.
Jules & Jenn
In 2016, the couple Julien and Jennifer Maumont founded their label Jules & Jenn. They met at the HEC school desk and want to offer responsible fashion. Jennifer Maumont previously worked as Marketing and Sales Director for women’s leather goods at Dior. In 2007 she founded the shoe brand Eclipse, which she sold in 2014.
Guiliva Heritage
Giuliva Heritage is an Italian brand founded by Margherita Cardelli and her husband Gerardo Cavalière. As passionate supporters of sustainable fashion, they attach great importance to the selection of fabrics. Margarita Cardelli has long worked as a communications consultant for brands such as Albert Ferretti and Moschino. The couple met in Rome, where Gerardo worked as a lawyer. They soon moved in together and their passion for fashion led them to start their own brand.
Victoria Feldman and Tomas Berzins by Victoria/Tomas Victoria Feldman and Tomas Berzins met in 2008 at a Paris fashion school. After a stay with Alexander Wang in New York, Tomas Berzins returned to France. In 2012, the duo launched their Victoria/Tomas brand and gained international recognition when they became the youngest finalists at the 2013 Hyères Festival of Fashion and Photography. There they presented a capsule collection of handmade leather clothing. Victoria and Tomas are now married and continue their adventure in the fashion industry. A year ago, they opted for fashion that is 100% recyclable and made in France. They are also expecting a baby: they recently announced the pregnancy on their official Instagram account with the caption: “Our biggest creation”. Cheers to the creative power of love!
This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ.