let’s talk GLEN MARTENS : DIESEL and Maison Margiela!
Glenn Martens of DIESEL just went DOUBLE creative director.
DIESEL and Maison Margiela!!!!!!
In 2020, he took over DIESEL, and since then, the brand has transformed.
RARE to be the creative director of two brands, but...
Martens?
He’s proving that rule doesn’t apply to him.
He's done this before.
Timeline:
↳ Mid 2000s: Erupts onto the scene as the designer of Y/Project
↳ 2017 & 2020: Wins the prestigious ANDAM fashion prize for his work at Y/Project.
↳ 2020: Takes over DIESEL.
↳ 2023: DIESEL grows 13%, with Gen Z (16-25) making up 36% of sales.
↳ 2025: Now heading DIESEL and Margiela, two powerhouse brands under OTB
Some of his biggest wins so far:
✨ Launched the viral 1DR bag
✨ Scaled DIESEL womenswear
✨ Proved his couture skills guest-designing for Gaultier SS22
✨ Turned Y/Project into a cult favorite
But now, he’s stepping into Margiela.
Galliano turned the house into a cultural force, with his Artisanal Spring 2024 show hailed as “the John Galliano show my generation has been waiting for” (Vogue).
Meanwhile, the Tabi shoe has gone fully mainstream, with sales surging 23% last year (Vogue).
DIESEL is a different beast, but Martens has already proven he can balance commercial appeal with high fashion.
On a personal note, This semester, I’m working on the DIESEL account at KCD, and I can’t wait to see where Glenn Martens takes fashion next.
