TL;DR:
- Glenn Martens is the new creative director of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano
- Martens made his name with Y/Project and made Diesel relevant again as creative director
- He won the ANDAM Grand Prize and two Belgian Fashion Awards
- His career runs almost parallel to that of Martin Margiela himself
- Both Belgian, both Antwerp academy, both started at Jean Paul Gaultier
A timeline of his impressive career.
How did Glenn Martens start his career in fashion?
1983 - Born in Bruges, Belgium
Martens was born in 1983 and grew up in Bruges. He began his studies in interior design at Sint-Lucas in Ghent. He soon made the switch to the renowned Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. An academy where big names such as Raf Simons, Ann Demeulemeester, Demna (creative director of Balenciaga and co-founder of Vetements) and Dries van Noten preceded him.
2008 - Graduated and started at Jean Paul Gaultier
Martens graduated in 2008 and followed in the footsteps of Martin Margiela himself: he started at Jean Paul Gaultier as a junior designer for the menswear line. Just like Margiela in 1984.
How did Glenn Martens become a cult figure with Y/Project?
2013 - Joins Y/Project
After the death of co-founder Yohan Serfaty, Martens took the reins of Y/Project. He made the label his own with his experimental tailoring, daring silhouettes and a fresh take on denim and streetwear. Y/Project grew into a true cult brand, beloved by big stars such as Rihanna and CharliXCX.
2017 - Y/Project wins the ANDAM Grand Prize
With Y/Project, Martens landed the prestigious ANDAM Grand Prize, including prize money of 250,000 euros and a year of mentorship from Yves Saint Laurent's CEO, Francesca Bellettini.
2018 - Belgian Fashion Award as Designer of the Year
Martens designs for Diesel's Red Tag line. Meanwhile, he is awarded a Belgian Fashion Award as Designer of the Year for his striking and refreshing designs for Y/Project.
What did Glenn Martens do at Diesel and Jean Paul Gaultier?
2020 - Creative director of Diesel
In 2020, Martens was named creative director at Diesel, where he gave the brand a fresh, new identity. With his striking interpretation of denim and playful silhouettes, he brings the Italian brand back to the forefront and makes Diesel cool again.
2022 - Haute couture for Jean Paul Gaultier
For Jean Paul Gaultier's couture show in 2022, Martens got the chance to unleash his creative vision on the iconic fashion house. That same year, he was awarded the Designer of the Year title at the Belgian Fashion Awards for the second time. Through his ability to weave inclusivity and sustainability into his designs, combined with the impressive haute couture collection he created for Gaultier, Martens proved he has it all, from streetwear to couture.
That ability to move between streetwear and haute couture can also be seen in designers like Rick Owens, who designs just as easily sculptural as raw.
Why is Glenn Martens the perfect choice for Maison Margiela?
2024 - The end of Y/Project
After more than ten years under Martens' leadership, the curtain falls for Y/Project. The brand had been in financial difficulty for some time and found no new buyer.
2025 - New creative director of Maison Margiela
Glenn Martens is named the new creative director at Maison Margiela. Fun fact: his career runs almost parallel to that of Martin Margiela himself. Both Belgian, both graduated from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, both started at Jean Paul Gaultier. And now, in 2025, Martens starts at the fashion house that Margiela once founded. We can't wait!
Curious how other fashion houses deal with new creative directors? Read also how Dior is finally cool thanks to Jonathan Anderson.
Also read our Paris Fashion Week 2026 highlights.
Frequently asked questions about Glenn Martens and Maison Margiela
Who is Glenn Martens?
Glenn Martens is a Belgian fashion designer, born in 1983 in Bruges. He graduated from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts and made his name as creative director of Y/Project and Diesel. In 2025, he was appointed creative director of Maison Margiela, where he succeeds John Galliano.
Why was Glenn Martens chosen as the successor to John Galliano?
Martens combines experimental vision with commercial success, exactly what Margiela needs. His work at Y/Project showed daring deconstruction, while at Diesel he proved he can lead a major brand. What's more, his background runs almost parallel to that of Martin Margiela himself: the same academy, the same start at Gaultier.
What can we expect from Glenn Martens at Margiela?
Expect a mix of experimental tailoring, unexpected materials and a fresh take on the Margiela DNA. Martens is known for daring silhouettes and an innovative approach to denim and streetwear. He will likely interpret the deconstructivism Margiela is known for in his own way.