Author: Martina Lelli
Belgian designer Glenn Martens has been officially appointed as the new creative director of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano. The news comes after months of speculation following Martens’ exit from Y/Project in 2024 and Galliano’s departure from Margiela. Martens, who will continue leading Diesel, now takes on one of the most influential roles in contemporary fashion.
Glenn Martens’ career has been defined by his ability to merge avant-garde experimentation with commercial appeal. At Y/Project, he redefined tailoring with his unconventional silhouettes and playful distortions of classic garments, making the label a cult favorite. At Diesel, he revitalized the brand with a raw, youthful energy, leading to impressive sales growth and a strong connection with Gen Z consumers. His appointment at Margiela is a natural progression, given his history with deconstructed aesthetics and his deep understanding of fashion as an artistic medium.
OTB Group chairman Renzo Rosso expressed confidence in Martens’ ability to carry forward the house’s legacy, calling him a true couturier. Like Martin Margiela himself, Martens is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, further reinforcing the alignment between his vision and the house’s DNA.
With Maison Margiela at a peak of cultural relevance, especially with the resurgence of the Tabi and the success of its Artisanal couture line, Martens now has the challenge of shaping the brand’s future while staying true to its legacy of disruption and reinvention.
