Renowned designer Glenn Martens, who previously captivated the fashion world as a guest couturier at Jean Paul Gaultier, now returns with a groundbreaking ready-to-wear collection. Focused on creating the illusion of garment mashups through inventive prints, this collaboration seamlessly merges art and fashion, setting new trends for the industry.
After making a striking debut as the second guest couturier at Jean Paul Gaultier in January 2022, Glenn Martens has once again joined forces with the iconic fashion house for an exceptional ready-to-wear collaboration. This time, Martens’ creative vision centers on innovative prints that give the illusion of garment mashups, blurring the lines between individual clothing items.
The unique collection features knit-enhanced mesh clothing that plays with the viewer’s perception, creating the trompe l’œil effect of mixed garments. Standout pieces include jean jackets merged with sailor shirts, wader jeans superimposed on narrow skirts, and lacy lingerie layered over slipdresses.
Extending the trompe l’œilconcept to menswear, the collaboration offers t-shirts with prints of belt-encircled jeans and tailored coats that evoke the impression of briefs and bare legs. The inventive approach stems from Martens’ background in both classical tailoring and streetwear, with influences from offbeat historical references and Flemish Old Masters.
Martens’ connection to Jean Paul Gaultier dates back to his days as a junior designer for Gaultier’s women’s pre-collection and the G2 men’s label after graduating from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 2008. The collaboration continues Gaultier’s tradition of inviting different designers to reinterpret his couture after his retirement from the runway in January 2020.
Drawing from the trompe-l’œil concept, Martens also created a capsule ready-to-wear collection based on Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 1996 “Cyberbaba” collection. This collection featured various body parts printed on unconventional garments, showcasing the designer’s penchant for avant-garde silhouettes and twisting volumes.
The latest Y/Project collection for Fall/Winter 2023, designed by Martens, showcases garments made of shredded denim, as well as pieces where shredded denim appears as a photo print. This fusion of art and fashion exemplifies his unique style, which continues to push boundaries in the industry.
Available from now on the e-stores of Jean Paul Gaultier and Y/Project, as well as select retailers, the collection offers a price range of 320 euros for t-shirts to 1,290 euros for long, tailored jackets. This inventive collaboration between Glenn Martens and Jean Paul Gaultier redefines the concept of ready-to-wear fashion and opens new horizons for future designers to explore.
