Glenn Martens (born 29 April 1983) is a Belgian fashion designer who has been serving as creative director of Maison Margiela since 2025.
Martens began as a junior designer at Jean Paul Gaultier for the women's pre-collection and menswear label G2 (2008–2012). He launched his own label in 2012 which ran for three seasons, before taking over Y/Project (2013–2024) as creative director after one of its co-founders, Yohan Serfaty, died. Martens also served as creative director of Diesel from 2020 to 2026.Sandra Salibian (18 September 2026), Glenn Martens to Exit Diesel, Remain at Maison Margiela Women's Wear Daily.
Early life and education Glenn Martens was born on 29 April 1983 in Bruges, Belgium. He has an older brother.
Martens graduated with a Bachelors in Interior Design from Sint-Lucas School of Architecture in Ghent in 2004. With no prior education in fashion design, he applied for a Masters at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and graduated first in his class. He would then be offered his first position at Jean Paul Gaultier.
Career Early beginnings After his Masters graduate show in 2008, Martens was recruited by Jean Paul Gaultier as a junior designer for his women's pre-collection and men's label, G2. Leaving the brand in 2012, he went on to found his own label which ran for three seasons.
In 2013, Martens joined Y/Project as personal assistant to the brand's co-founder, Yohan Serfaty. After the latter died of cancer, Martens was appointed the new creative director. Martens designed the final collection for the brand before announcing his retirement, Autumn/Winter 2024, featuring celebrities including Kanye West, Charli XCX, Mia Khalifa, Tyga, and Irina Shayk.
Diesel, 2020–2026 In 2020, whilst still leading Y/Project, Martens was announced as the next creative director of Diesel, after the brand had been without lead since 2017. He debuted his first collection during Milan men's fashion week for Spring/Summer 2022. During his tenure at Diesel, Martens was credited with reinvigorating the brand, having seen celebrity endorsements including Rihanna and Michelle Obama, and designing the Met Gala outfits for Kylie Minogue, Damiano David, and Dove Cameron.
In 2022, Martens returned to Jean Paul Gaultier as a guest designer for Couture Spring/Summer 2022. He was also asked to adjudicate the Tom of Finland Foundation Emerging Artists Competition as well as the Hyères 37th Fashion Festival, where he also received a career retrospective as a guest of honour.
While at Diesel in 2020, Martens has given a new approach to denim, with experimental silhouettes, distressed textures and sculptural forms.
Maison Margiela, 2025–present In January 2025, it was announced that Martens would be replacing John Galliano as the next creative director of Maison Margiela. Chairman for the OTB Group, Renzo Rosso – who own both Maison Margiela and Diesel – explained that he has worked with Martens for years and believes he has the vision to lead the brand, as the third creative director in the company's history.
Martens was also announced to be the next designer to partner with H&M for an Autumn 2025 collaboration.
Collaborations Personal 2022 – Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring/Summer 2022 guest designer 2022 – Tom of Finland Foundation Emerging Artists Competition judge 2022 – Hyères 37th Fashion Festival Retrospective, jury president, and guest of honor 2025 – H&M Autumn 2025 designer collaboration
Y/Project (2013–2024) 2019 – Diesel Spring/Summer Red Tag Project 2020 – Canada Goose Autumn/Winter 2020 – Melissa (4 years in a row) 2022 – Fila Spring/Summer 2022 – Jean Paul Gaultier Autumn/Winter 2024 – Salomon Autumn/Winter
Diesel (2020–) 2021 – Tom of Finland Pride Month (3 years in a row) 2023 – Lee denim 'DIESELOVES LEE' (2 years in a row) 2024 – Durex Autumn/Winter 2024 – Savage X Fenty 'Savage X Diesel' 2024 – Damiano David Genderless
Publications Martens, Glenn et al. Exhibition Magazine – The Deconstruction Issue. Sophie Abriat (ed). Paris. 2020. Martens, Glenn. A Magazine 27 – Curated by Glenn Martens. A Publisher, Antwerp. 2024.
Recognition 2017 – Grand Prize, ANDAM Fashion Awards 2018 – Designer of the Year, 2020 – Second Prize, ANDAM Fashion Awards Family Fund 2022 – Designer of the Year,
References
External links Glenn Martens biography on Business of Fashion