Isabel Marant appoints Kim Bekker as artistic director

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Sep 20, 2021

Isabel Marant is starting a new chapter. For the first time in its history, the Parisian brand founded by its eponymous designer in 1994 has appointed a new artistic director. The role is being confided to Dutch designer Kim Bekker, who has worked for more than ten years in the house's studio and will now be responsible for supervising its women's and menswear collections. 

A graduate of the Arnhem Academy of Art & Design, in the Netherlands, the designer has also worked in the studios of Chloé and Saint Laurent. In her new role, she "will work alongside Isabel Marant, supervising women’s, men’s and accessories collections, in order to support the growth of the house and its development projects," explained the brand in a short statement, without providing further details. 

Since French investment fund Montefiore acquired a 51% stake in the business in 2016, the brand has notably accelerated its development by diversifying its offering. These efforts included the launch of menswear under the supervision of designer Barnabé Hardy in 2018, followed by the brand's first ever eyewear line and watches. 

In parallel to this expansion, there have also been significant changes in the company's management. Anouck Duranteau-Loeper was appointed as the brand's deputy CEO in late 2016, while CEO Sophie Duruflé and chief retail officer Nathalie Chemouny – Marant's two original partners, with whom she owns 49% of the business – remained in their roles. 

Evidently, with the appointment of a new artistic director, the brand has taken another important step forward in its development. And suffice to say, the next Isabel Marant show, scheduled as a physical runway event for September 30, will be observed with particular interest.