Designer Glenn Martens will depart Diesel after six years, following his final runway show in Milan.
Key facts
- •Glenn Martens joined Diesel as creative director in October 2020.
- •The designer will remain at Maison Margiela, which is also owned by OTB Group.
- •Martens' final collection for Diesel will be presented during Milan Fashion Week.
- •Diesel was founded by Renzo Rosso in 1978.
- •Martens previously served as the head of the Parisian label Y/Project for over a decade.
Glenn Martens is stepping down as creative director of the Italian denim brand Diesel after a six-year tenure. The announcement, confirmed by parent company OTB Group, states that Martens will conclude his role following the brand's Spring 2027 runway show at the start of Milan Fashion Week. Martens will continue his work as the creative director of Maison Margiela, a position he assumed in 2025.
Impact on the Diesel Brand
Appointed by Diesel founder Renzo Rosso in 2020, Martens was credited with revitalizing the brand's cultural relevance. He utilized techniques such as fabric twisting, shredding, and distressing to evolve the label's denim-focused identity. His tenure was marked by provocative marketing campaigns and high-profile runway shows, including a Fall 2023 presentation featuring Durex branding. These efforts helped the brand regain a presence in the global fashion conversation and attracted celebrity interest from figures such as Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Future Leadership and Transition
Renzo Rosso praised Martens for his contribution to the brand, noting his ability to connect with younger generations and establish a foundation for the company's future. While Martens prepares for his final show, OTB Group has not yet named a successor, stating that information regarding the next chapter of creative leadership will be released in due course. Martens, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, previously led the label Y/Project from 2013 to 2024.
Timeline
- 1978Renzo Rosso founded the denim brand Diesel.
- 2020Glenn Martens was appointed as the creative director of Diesel.
- 2025Martens assumed the role of creative director at Maison Margiela.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Fashionista, Harpers Bazaar.
