Martine Rose is rapidly gaining recognition in the fashion world. The London-based designer is known for her distinctive approach, seamlessly blending streetwear with high fashion. Her creations are bold, unconventional, and boundary-pushing, making a lasting impact that extends well beyond her own label.
But how did her journey begin? And what collaborations have made her one of the most respected names in the industry?
Martine Rose and her label
Since launching her label in 2007, Martine Rose has rocked the fashion world. No stiff catwalks for Rose, but shows at markets and in London pubs. Her eponymous brand combines luxury with streetwear without compromising on authenticity.
The collections fit seamlessly with the British subcultures that inspire her, with oversized jackets, distorted fits and sporty details that break conventions.
Martine Rose's label is her creative playground, where classic fashion merges with street culture. Inspired by football hooligans, rave kids and dancehall icons, she mixes oversized silhouettes, estranged fits, and organized chaos into a raw, unmistakable style.
In 2023, her influence was recognized with the title British Menswear Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards - an award that confirms her status as a leading designer.
Iconic collaborations
Rose's influence extends beyond her own label. Big names have embraced her unique blend of luxury, streetwear, and experimentation. In 2015, Balenciaga's Demna approached her as a consultant for the menswear line, where she helped define the layered, oversized look.
Her impact was evident at Balenciaga's first men's fashion show in 2016. Following Virgil Abloh's death in 2021, her name was even mentioned as a possible successor, although that task went to artist and designer Pharrell Williams.
Nike gave Martine Rose carte blanche to reinvent trainers, leading to the futuristic and distorted square-toed Nike Shox MR4. In 2023, she expanded her collaboration with a tailoring collection for the Women's World Cup, combining classic tailoring and sportswear.
But it didn't stop there. She gave the beloved Clarks Wallabee a radical twist and worked with Supreme and Stüssy on collections that strikingly translated her streetwear roots. Martine Rose is more than fashion: it provokes discussion.
Martine Rose and Kendrick Lamar
One of her most notable collaborations is with Kendrick Lamar. The two share a deep understanding of how fashion and music are rooted in real stories and experiences. "His work is rooted in people's experience and that is also the way I approach collections," - Rose (VOGUE business, 2025).
However, their collaboration did not start at the Super Bowl, but extended much further. For Lamar's tour, she designed the iconic Oklahoma leather jackets, a collaboration based on mutual respect. Lamar himself shared on Instagram: "Bucket list to work with Martine Rose", (Hypebeast, 2022).
The highlight was the GLORIA jacket, worn at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, a powerful statement in which their styles coincided perfectly. Read the full story behind the design here.
Fashion as a distorted mirror image
Rose is known for her playful, sometimes bizarre take on fashion. Models with exaggerated noses, distorted silhouettes - she treats fashion like clay. "Fashion is about outsiders, and I've always been attracted to outsiders, alternative people," - Rose, (AnOtherMag, 2020). And that is exactly what she does.
This philosophy extended beyond fashion. In 2025, she launched ‘Everything Must Change’, an artistic film about social transformation and identity. Like her fashion, it is an experiment, a new story. The film was part of her collaboration with Rabanne's SS25 collection and is considered a visual spectacle and reflection on change in fashion and society.
The power of patience and growth
In addition to her pioneering designs, Rose has a strong vision of creativity and success. "We live in an accelerated world where everything has to be fast, but that is an illusion," the designer said (Culted, 2024). Growth takes time. Her advice? Be patient, stay motivated and get inspiration from everywhere.
"Work in bars or art galleries, get your incentives from everywhere" - Rose (Culted, 2024). For her, fashion is about more than clothes, it's about stories and communities.
What comes next for Martine Rose? Only she knows. Maybe she will finally take the helm of a major fashion house, or perhaps she will remain in her own bubble of creativity and chaos. What is certain is that she will continue to follow her own path—defying expectations and breaking the rules.
Martine Rose does not play along with the fashion world, she determines how the game is played.
Martine Rose is a British fashion designer known for her mix of luxury and street culture, with bold silhouettes and unconventional shows.
She has done collaborations with the likes of Nike, Balenciaga, Clarks, Supreme and Stüssy.
Martine Rose's unique approach to fashion, breaking conventions, and embracing subcultures, has made her one of the most innovative designers of our time.
