Glenn Martens — artistic director of Diesel and Y/Project — is joining Maison Jean Paul Gaultier for a Haute Couture collection to be presented in January. Continuing the spirit of Gaultier inviting designers to collaborate with latest collections, Martens follows Sacai founder Chitose Abe, whose collection was presented back in July.

“Glenn Martens has proven that he has the necessary creativity for adapting to the mindset of various ready-to-wear labels, all while developing his own,” said Jean-Paul Gaultier. “ I can’t wait for January to see what he has in store for our 2022 spring/summer Haute Couture line!”

The Belgian-born designer’s collection with Gaultier will be labeled as “Gaultier Paris by Glenn Martens from Y/Project,” and will be presented at the French fashion house’s headquarters in January. The collection will embrace Martens’ return to roots, and it is his first-ever Couture collection. 

Martens resonates deeply with the spirit and essence of Gaultier, describing his typical creative style as an avant-garde, experimental aesthetic, constantly oscillating between masculine and feminine; between art and architecture.

“Couture creations are not meant to be part of the everyday,” said Martens. “This is art. It goes beyond ready-to-wear; beyond clothing. With Gaultier, I want to celebrate my love for movement and versatility, but using more architecturally structured silhouettes.”

Though Martens is only the second guest creator Gaultier has invited to reinterpret the spirit and codes of his brand, the collaboration of these designers illuminates the bonds and common ties they share in a collective and kinship type of way.

“Jean Paul Gaultier has really opened its doors to young creators inspired by the House’s work, whether directly or indirectly,” said Martens. “It’s a brand that creates a kind of fellowship. The way they celebrate difference and openness has helped people both in France and farther afield to move beyond clichés. I am proud to be a part of that tradition.”