Career
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 would go on to found his own label which would run for three seasons.[1]
In 2013, Martens would join Y/Project as personal assistant to the brand's co-founder, Yohan Serfaty. After the latter died of cancer, Martens would be appointed the new creative director.[2] The final collection Martens would design for the brand before announcing his retirement, Autumn/Winter 2024, would feature celebrities including Kanye West, Charli XCX, Mia Khalifa, Tyga, and Irina Shayk.[9]
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.[10] He would debut his first collection during Milan men's fashion week for Spring/Summer 2022.[11] During his tenure at Diesel, Martens is 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.[10][12]
In 2022, Martens would return to Jean Paul Gaultier as a guest designer for Couture Spring/Summer 2022.[13] He would also be asked to adjudicate the Tom of Finland Foundation Emerging Artists Competition[14] as well as the Hyères 37th Fashion Festival, where he would also receive a career retrospective as a guest of honour.[15][16]
While at Diesel in 2020, Martens has given a new approach to denim, with experimental silhouettes, distressed textures and sculptural forms.[17][18][19]
In January 2025, it was announced that Glenn Martens will 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.[20]
Martens was also announced to be the next designer to partner with H&M for an Autumn 2025 collaboration.[21][22]
