Since founding his eponymous label in 1982, Jean Paul Gaultier became synonymous with audacity, subversion, and a fearless approach to design. Known for his wicked tailoring, gender-defying silhouettes, and unapologetic commentary on beauty and identity, Gaultier stretched the boundaries of fashion. His influence extended beyond the runway, making him a pop-culture icon who dared to blend the high with the low, the avant-garde with the street.
In January 2020, after an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Gaultier announced his retirement following a stunning haute couture show that marked his 50th anniversary in the industry. It was a grand, emotional finale to his career at the top, leaving the fashion world to reflect on his profound impact. However, his departure didn’t mean the end of the Jean Paul Gaultier legacy. In fact, it was far from it. Since Gaultier’s retirement, the house has embraced a collaborative approach, inviting guest designers to take the creative reins. These collaborations, while exciting, were always temporary, leaving the future of the maison uncertain as it waited for a new, permanent leader to steer it forward. That was until now.
After years of temporary leadership, the House of Jean Paul Gaultier is entering a new era with the appointment of Duran Lantink as its permanent creative director. Lantink, who has been recognized for his daring, deconstructive approach to fashion, is set to take the house in a fresh direction, one that stays true to Gaultier’s rebellious roots while bringing a modern edge. Gaultier himself has expressed his enthusiasm for Lantink’s appointment, describing him as the “new enfant terrible” of fashion, with the same energy and audacity that Gaultier himself brought to the industry at the start of his career.
In a statement, Lantink, who has always viewed Gaultier as a trailblazer, spoke of his admiration for the designer’s groundbreaking approach to fashion. Lantink sees Gaultier as part of a generation that “kicked down doors” for designers like himself to create without apology. Taking the reigns at the storied maison is a dream come true for Lantink, who sees it as an opportunity to carry forward Gaultier’s legacy of provocatively reshaping fashion. For him, Jean Paul Gaultier represents the ultimate house of creative spirit and savoir-faire—a brand that has always challenged norms and created movements, not just clothes.
Lantink’s first ready-to-wear collection for Jean Paul Gaultier will be revealed during Paris Fashion Week in September 2025. This collection promises to be a pivotal moment for the house, as Lantink brings his unique vision to the iconic label. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Lantink’s haute couture debut will follow in January 2026, when the world will get its first full look at his haute couture craftsmanship for the house.
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