Glenn Martens

Glenn Martens (born 29 April 1983) is a Belgian fashion designer. 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 became creative director of Diesel in 2020, and after leaving Y/Project, took over Maison Margiela in 2025.

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.

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.

In January 2025, it was announced that Glenn 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 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,