The Comeback: Designers on Their Second Act
Fashion’s greatest icons aren’t just resting on their laurels—they’re redefining what it means to have a second act.
Designers like Shawn Stussy, Nigo, Martin Margiela, and Tom Ford are making triumphant returns to the industry (and beyond) with new brands, creative philosophies, and bold visions.
Each of them brings a fresh perspective, proving that their passion for innovation burns brighter than ever.
Let’s dive into how these fashion trailblazers are reshaping trends and carving out their next chapters.
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Shawn Stussy : S/DOUBLE
The father of streetwear, Shawn Stussy, left his eponymous brand to embark on a fresh journey with S/DOUBLE.
Seamlessly blending his surf-inspired roots with contemporary streetwear, Stussy has redefined his design ethos.
The Fall/Winter 2024 collection, with its surf graphics and elevated street style, is a testament to this evolution.
This isn’t about replaying past glories—it’s about pioneering a new hybrid of surf culture and premium craftsmanship for a modern audience.
Stussy’s return has cemented his status as a tastemaker for a new generation.
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Nigo: Kenzo, Human Made
Nigo, the legendary founder of BAPE, has proven he’s more than a one-hit wonder. Now steering Kenzo as its creative director and continuing to helm Human Made, he’s breaking boundaries between fashion and music. Known for reinterpreting Japanese aesthetics for a global audience, Nigo’s designs combine retro charm with modern sensibilities. His work with Human Made, in particular, showcases his knack for harmonizing vintage inspirations with today’s trends. Nigo’s second act is not just about nostalgia but about crafting a creative dialogue that bridges generations and cultures.
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Martin Margiela: Blinds
After stepping away from the fashion world, Martin Margiela has reemerged—not on the runway but in the art world.
His mysterious persona remains intact as he explores the intersection of art and fashion through installations and collaborations.
With his first solo art piece, Blind, unveiled in Antwerp, Margiela challenges conventional boundaries.
His work speaks to a deep creative curiosity, showing that his vision transcends mediums.
His evolution from designer to artist is a bold statement: creativity knows no limits.
ACTION!
ACTION!
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Tom Ford: Nocturnal Animals
After bidding farewell to the fashion industry in 2023, Tom Ford shifted his focus to the silver screen.
As a filmmaker, he’s carried over his signature sleek aesthetic, with his 2016 film Nocturnal Animals receiving critical acclaim and winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Even behind the camera, Ford’s work is unmistakably chic and emotionally resonant.
His move into filmmaking isn’t just a pivot—it’s a masterful extension of his brand, proving that his sharp eye for style and storytelling captivates across industries.
Why Do They Keep Challenging Themselves?
What drives these visionaries to reinvent themselves instead of resting on their past achievements?
It’s more than nostalgia—it’s a relentless desire to create, to evolve, and to challenge the status quo.
Their second acts are lessons in resilience and innovation, reminding us that reinvention is always possible.
By pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown, they show us that creativity isn’t confined by time or industry.
For these designers, moving forward is a necessity—and their journeys inspire us to find courage in our own second acts.
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