Duran Lantink Appointed as Jean Paul Gaultier's Permanent Creative Director, Signaling a New Era for the Iconic Fashion House

In a significant move within the fashion industry, Dutch designer Duran Lantink has been named the permanent creative director of Jean Paul Gaultier. This appointment marks the end of the brand's four-year experiment with rotating guest designers following Gaultier's retirement in 2020. Lantink will now oversee both the haute couture and ready-to-wear lines, bringing a unified vision to the storied maison.Vogue+1El País+1Vogue+1El País+1

Lantink, renowned for his avant-garde approach and commitment to sustainability, gained widespread attention in 2018 when Janelle Monáe donned his "vagina pants" in the music video for "Pynk." His designs often challenge conventional aesthetics, blending bold silhouettes with upcycled materials. This innovative approach has earned him accolades, including the Andam Special Prize in 2023 and the Karl Lagerfeld Award at the LVMH Prize in 2024.Vogue+3Vogue+3Vogue+3

Jean Paul Gaultier himself expressed enthusiasm about Lantink's appointment, stating, "I see in him the energy, audacity, and playful spirit through fashion that I had at the beginning of my own journey: the new enfant terrible of fashion." Lantink reciprocated the sentiment, acknowledging Gaultier as a trailblazer who paved the way for designers like himself to express their identities freely.Vogue+1El País+1

The decision to appoint a permanent creative director reflects a strategic shift for the Puig-owned brand, aiming to establish consistency and clarity in its creative direction. While the rotating designer model brought fresh perspectives to each collection, it also presented challenges in maintaining a cohesive brand identity, particularly in the underdeveloped ready-to-wear segment.Vogue+4Vogue+4El País+4

Lantink's debut ready-to-wear collection for Jean Paul Gaultier is slated for Spring/Summer 2026, with a presentation expected in September 2025. His first haute couture collection will follow in January 2026. As he steps into this pivotal role, the fashion world eagerly anticipates how Lantink will honor Gaultier's legacy while infusing the brand with his distinctive, boundary-pushing vision.VogueVogue