A timeline of his impressive career.
1983 - Glenn Martens is born in Bruges, Belgium
Martens is born in 1983 and grows up in Bruges. He begins his study in interior design at Sint-Lucas in Ghent. Soon after, he makes the switch to the renowned Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. This academy has seen great names like Raf Simons, Ann Demeulemeester, Demna (Creative Director of Balenciaga and co-founder of Vetements), and Dries van Noten before him.
2008 - Graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Starts at Jean Paul Gaultier
Martens graduates in 2008 and follows in the footsteps of Martin Margiela himself: he starts at Jean Paul Gaultier as a junior designer for the men's line, just like Margiela did in 1984.
2013 - Joins Y/project
After the passing of co-founder Yohan Serfaty, Martens takes the reins at Y/project. He makes the label his own with experimental tailoring, bold silhouettes, and an innovative approach to denim and streetwear. Y/project grows into a cult brand, beloved by major stars like Rihanna and CharliXCX.
2017 - Y/project wins top honour award
With Y/project, Martens claims the prestigious ANDAM Grand Prize, including a cash prize of €250,000 and a year of mentorship from Yves Saint Laurent’s CEO, Francesca Bellettini.
2018 - Designs for Diesel’s red tag line, Belgian Fashion Award
Martens designs for Diesel’s Red Tag line. In the meantime, he is awarded a Belgian Fashion Award as Designer of the Year for his striking and refreshing designs for Y/project.
2020 - Becomes creative director of Diesel
In 2020, Martens is appointed as creative director at Diesel, where he gives the brand a fresh, new identity. His eye-catching interpretation of denim and playful silhouettes bring the Italian brand back to prominence and make Diesel cool again.
2022 - Designs for Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture
For Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show in 2022, Martens gets the chance to unleash his creative vision on the iconic fashion house. That same year, he is awarded the Designer of the Year title for the second time at the Belgian Fashion Awards. With his ability to weave inclusivity and sustainability into his designs, combined with the impressive haute couture collection he created for Gaultier, Martens proves he has it all, from streetwear to couture.
2024 - Martens steps down as creative director for Y/project
After more than ten years under Martens’ leadership, the curtain falls for Y/project. The brand has been facing financial troubles for some time and cannot find a new buyer.
2025 - Glenn Martens new creative director at Maison Margiela
Glenn Martens is appointed as the new creative director at Maison Margiela.
Fun fact: his career runs almost parallel to that of Martin Margiela himself. Both are Belgians, both graduated from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, both started at Jean Paul Gaultier. And now, in 2025, Martens begins at the fashion house that Margiela once founded. We can't wait!