In a historic move for the fashion industry, Jean Paul Gaultier has appointed Duran Lantink as its permanent creative director, signifying a new era for the iconic French fashion house. This appointment marks the first time since Gaultier’s retirement in 2020 that the brand will have a singular creative vision, moving away from the recent trend of rotating guest designers.
Lantink, a Dutch designer known for his avant-garde and sustainability-focused approach, will oversee both the ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. His debut ready-to-wear show is set for September 2025 during Paris Fashion Week, followed by his haute couture introduction in January 2026. This transition is seen as a pivotal moment, as Lantink takes the reins of a brand that has been a significant player in the fashion world for decades.
Jean Paul Gaultier, renowned for his boundary-pushing designs and flamboyant style, expressed his full support for Lantink, stating, "I see in him the energy, audacity, and playful spirit through fashion that I had at the beginning of my own journey." He dubbed Lantink as "the new enfant terrible of fashion," reflecting the designer’s bold and innovative spirit.
Lantink’s rise to prominence in the fashion world has been meteoric. He first gained widespread attention in 2018 when Janelle Monáe wore his infamous "vagina pants" in the music video for her song "Pynk." This daring design, along with his unique ability to blend high fashion with elements of sustainability, has earned him collaborations with high-profile artists, including Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Doja Cat.
His creative style has been described as a "Frankenstein approach to fashion," where he slices and reassembles designer deadstock into new, provocative silhouettes. He has a reputation for creating body-morphing designs that challenge traditional notions of beauty and gender, which aligns seamlessly with Gaultier’s own legacy of inclusivity and audacity.
Before his appointment, the Gaultier brand had operated with a series of guest designers, including Glenn Martens, Haider Ackermann, and Simone Rocha. Each guest brought their own interpretation of Gaultier's iconic style, but the absence of a permanent creative leader left the brand without a cohesive vision since Gaultier’s departure.
Gaultier’s decision to appoint Lantink is a strategic shift that aims to unify the brand’s creative direction and reinvigorate its ready-to-wear line, which has been on hiatus since 2015. Lantink’s innovative designs are expected to attract a younger audience while honoring the rich heritage of the brand.
In a press release, Lantink expressed his admiration for Gaultier, stating, "For me, Jean Paul Gaultier is a genius. He’s part of a generation of designers who opened the doors to freedom of expression, without ever having to apologize for who they were." He emphasized the importance of Gaultier's influence on his own work, saying, "It’s also a house that constantly challenges the status quo. It transcends fashion by integrating all cultural disciplines, creating a perpetual creative movement."
As Lantink prepares for his debut collections, the fashion world is abuzz with anticipation. His first ready-to-wear collection will debut at Paris Fashion Week in September 2025, followed by his haute couture collection in January 2026. Fashion insiders are keen to see how Lantink will reinterpret Gaultier's legacy while infusing it with his own modern sensibilities.
Recently, Lantink has also been recognized for his contributions to fashion, having won the prestigious Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the 2024 LVMH Prize ceremony. This accolade, along with the special ANDAM Prize he received in 2023, highlights his rapid ascent in the industry and his commitment to innovative design.
With the appointment of Duran Lantink, Jean Paul Gaultier is poised to enter a new chapter that embraces both its storied past and an exciting future. Lantink’s unique vision and commitment to sustainability are expected to resonate with a new generation of fashion enthusiasts, ensuring that Gaultier’s influence continues to thrive.
As the fashion industry watches closely, Lantink’s leadership promises to challenge norms and redefine what it means to be a part of the Gaultier legacy. With his radical style and deep-rooted love for the brand, this new chapter may well be one of the most exciting eras for the house yet.
