Glenn Martens

Glenn Martens is a Belgian fashion designer and one of the most acclaimed creative voices of his generation. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, he began his career at Jean Paul Gaultier before taking the helm of Y/Project, where he spent over a decade transforming the label into a major player in conceptual streetwear. In 2020, he was appointed Creative Director of Diesel, and in 2025, he was named the Creative Director of Maison Margiela, further cementing his status as a leader in avant-garde luxury.

Martens is celebrated for his ability to inject humour, rebellious energy, and technical brilliance into established brands. His work has consistently challenged the boundaries of garment construction and gender identity, earning him numerous accolades, including the ANDAM Prize. He remains based in Paris, where his influence continues to grow as he navigates the intersection of high-concept deconstruction and global commercial appeal.

Experimental approaches to proportion and a 'twisted' sense of deconstruction define a design language that consistently explores gender fluidity and garment versatility. At Y/Project, this was manifested through customizable volume and complex buttoning systems that allowed pieces to be draped or adjusted in multiple ways. This focus on the transformative potential of the garment results in silhouettes that are both intellectually challenging and visually dynamic, often playing with extreme scale and unexpected textures.

Innovative treatment of denim serves as a recurring formal concern, particularly through the use of distressing, sculptural manipulation, and ironic branding. The aesthetic often incorporates elements of historical quotation subverted by contemporary streetwear codes, creating a sense of urban theatricality. By balancing high-concept artistry with a grounded, often humorous perspective on 'successful living', the work addresses a diverse and youthful audience. This ethos prioritises individual expression and the subversion of traditional luxury norms in favour of a more democratic and rebellious artistic vision.