Glenn Martens is the new creative director of Maison Margiela!

A month and a half after John Galliano’s departure from Maison Margiela, it’s official: Glenn Martens is the brand’s new creative director! The announcement was made this Wednesday (01/29), and his appointment promises to usher in a new chapter for the Maison.

In this post, I’ll tell you everything about Glenn Martens, why he’s the perfect fit for the role, John Galliano’s trajectory, and what we can expect from this new era of Margiela. Will Glenn follow in Galliano’s footsteps or take a completely different approach?

who is glenn martens?

Glenn Martens (41) was born in Bruges, Belgium. Initially, he studied interior design, but later discovered his true passion and was accepted into the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp to study fashion. In 2013, he took over the creative direction of Y/Project after the passing of its founder, Yohan Serfaty, but he left the label last year.

Speaking about his appointment at Maison Margiela, Glenn stated: "I feel extremely honored to join the incredible Maison Margiela, a truly unique house that has inspired the world for decades. And I thank Renzo (executive of the brand) for the trust he is placing in me.”

why is he the right person for it?

Glenn’s aesthetic is architectural and experimental—which aligns perfectly with Maison Margiela's essence! Currently, he is also the creative director of Diesel, where he revived the brand’s relevance and turned it into one of the most sought-after names in fashion.

Moreover, both Diesel and Maison Margiela are part of the OTB Group, making this transition even more seamless. Renzo Rosso, founder of the group, stated: "I have worked with Glenn for years, witnessed his talent, and know what he is capable of. After Martin, who brought Maison to life with his unique artisanal approach, and John, who made it the most avant-garde haute couture house in the world, I am proud to have a third designer at the helm.”

According to WWD, Stefano Rosso, Renzo’s son and president of Maison Margiela, said that Glenn is stepping in "at a key moment in its history, following well-defined and solid paths.” In other words, his arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Maison!

john galliano's trajectory

John Galliano (who left Maison Margiela last year) was born in Gibraltar in 1960 but grew up in London. From an early age, he had a unique perspective on fashion, and it was at Central Saint Martins that he truly shined—with a graduation collection inspired by the French Revolution that left everyone in awe.

In the 1980s, he launched his own brand but faced financial difficulties. Determined to continue, he moved to Paris, where he gained the support of influential figures in the industry, including Anna Wintour. In 1995, he was appointed creative director of Givenchy, but it was in 1996, when he took over Dior, that he truly made history! His ability to tell stories through fashion was unparalleled. At Dior, he revolutionized the brand with his theatrical style and unforgettable collections, drawing inspiration from the Belle Époque to the Orient, always with a dramatic and impeccable touch.

Maison Margiela Haute Couture 2024

Maison Margiela Haute Couture 2024

Maison Margiela S/S21 Ready to Wear

Leon Dame for Maison Margiela

However, not everything was glamorous—in 2011, he was dismissed from Dior following a series of scandals. After spending years away from the industry, he sought rehabilitation. Then, in 2014, he made a triumphant comeback as Maison Margiela’s creative director. At Margiela, he redefined the brand while preserving its core essence, adding his signature dramatic and artisanal flair. He remained at the helm for nearly 10 years, finally stepping down last year.

what to expect from this new era of maison margiela?

So far, no official date has been announced for Glenn’s first collection at Margiela. Last year, Galliano delivered an incredible haute couture collection and, throughout his time at the brand, created iconic it-bags that remain highly coveted today. It won’t be easy for Glenn to match Galliano’s impact, but the big question is: will he continue the path set by Galliano or take Maison Margiela in a completely new direction?

One thing is certain: his arrival will change the future of the brand—whether for better or worse, only time will tell. But considering his mastery in blending tailoring and streetwear, he seems more than capable of making this transition a success. I’m betting on bold innovation, impactful collections, and an exciting new era for Maison Margiela!