Ann Demeulemeester's work is often referred to as poetic. While skillfully merging the incongruous, whether it's light and shadow or traditional shape and asymmetry, the lauded Antwerp Six member managed to create a unique equilibrium between clashing styles later known as darkwear. Born in the Belgian city of Courtray, Demeulemeester later moved to Bruges, where she first studied art in a local school. After uncovering her growing passion for self-expression the future-couturier started growing an interest in fashion design and decided to attend Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts, successfully enrolling there in 1977 and graduating in 1981.