Goodbye Y/Project

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

UGG x Y/PROJECT FALL 2018 READY-TO-WEAR

The UGG x Y/Project Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear collection reimagined the iconic sheepskin boot with bold, avant-garde flair. Glenn Martens brought exaggerated proportions and sculptural designs to the collaboration, creating statement pieces like triple-layered boots, stacked heels, heeled mules, and fuzzy slide sandals.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

FALL 2023 READY-TO-WEAR

The Y/Project Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection is a testament to the creative genius of Glenn Martens. Known for his sculptural, deconstructed designs, Martens continued to explore the idea of transformation but the collection was not as focused on creating entirely new shapes as in previous seasons, it emphasized surface interest and the refinement of materials. Denim was reimagined in innovative ways in shape of baggy jeans with button-up details, boxy jean jackets, high scrunch denim boots and a faded denim caftan made appearances. The true standout of the collection, however, is Martens’ ability to cut denim into thin, biomorphic shapes, shredding it and using it as embroidery. This technique was applied to everything from wool coats to form-fitting body-con dresses, adding a delicate, tactile dimension to the garments.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

MELISSA x Y/PROJECT FALL 2021

For Y/Project’s Fall 2021 digital runway, Glenn Martens collaborated with the Brazilian footwear brand Melissa to unveil a pair of mules. Inspired by the Rococo period, the low-heeled court shoe features a glass-like texture and is available in clear and translucent black variations. With a pointy toe and a nostalgic nod to elegant, ornate fashion, the design balances high style with Melissa’s signature trademark material.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

FALL 2016 READY-TO-WEAR

The Y/Project Fall 2016 collection was a masterclass in reimagining traditional menswear. Glenn Martens presented a series of oversized, layered pieces and deconstructed outerwear, such as a long-sleeved denim jacket, which was a standout piece in the collection. The jacket, typically a casual classic, was reworked with elongated sleeves and exaggerated proportions, giving it an almost sculptural quality. Denim was a key fabric throughout, used in both jackets and trousers, but was often treated with a distressed finish to add texture. Accessories like oversized scarves and statement belts further amplified the avant-garde styling of the collection.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

The collection featured a cheeky Eiffel Tower logo, a nod to the bold graphics Martens often uses at Diesel. Trompe l’oeil techniques were explored in the second season collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier, blending classic Y/Project staples like jeans, vests, and polos with layered textures and playful designs. Notably, four “evil baby” tops, inspired by a tattoo Martens encountered, added a humorous edge. The collection’s standout innovation was the use of nearly invisible wiring to create tank tops that appeared to float.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

FALL 2017 READY-TO-WEAR

This collection was a mix of contrasts, blending heavy textures with light, airy fabrics. A standout piece was the oversized fur coat, an indulgent statement of luxury that draped the body with its voluminous silhouette. Its plush texture added a sense of opulence, contrasting with the more raw, deconstructed elements in the collection. Mesh, velvet, and satin were prominent throughout the lineup, used in unexpected ways.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Runway.

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 READY-TO-WEAR

Glenn Martens’s Spring 2019 collection for Y/Project redefined chic with a rebellious touch, proving that refinement and innovation can coexist. Draping played a central role throughout the collection, appearing as a recurring motif that added fluidity and drama to the designs. Martens also ventured into evening wear with a pair of satin bias-paneled dresses that closed the show. Their slippery, fluid texture and slightly off-kilter proportions elevated them into statement pieces, marrying elegance with irreverence.