Jean Paul Gaultier Appoints First Permanent Creative Director Since 2020

The fashion world’s game of musical chairs when it comes to creative directors shows no sign of slowing down. 

From Donatella Versace stepping away from Versace, to Jonathan Anderson’s exit from Loewe, and Demna making the move from Balenciaga to Gucci, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep track.

Now, you can add another name to that ever-growing list: Duran Lantink, who has just been announced as the new creative director of Jean Paul Gaultier.

Gaultier himself stepped down after presenting his final haute couture show in January 2020. Since then, the house has taken an unconventional approach, inviting a rotating cast of guest designers to reinterpret the brand for a single couture collection.

We’ve seen the likes of Glenn Martens (Spring 2022), Julien Dossena (Autumn 2023), and Simone Rocha (Spring 2024), to name a few. But Lantink's arrival marks a significant moment for the brand with a consistent creative direction after years of collaboration.

Who is Duran Lantink?

A Dutch designer based in Amsterdam, Duran Lantink is known for his rule-breaking, avant-garde approach to fashion. He’s made a name for himself by creating collections from deadstock materials and repurposed fabrics, prioritising sustainability long before it was mainstream. 

Earlier this month, he was awarded the 2025 Woolmark Prize, joining an esteemed list of alumni that includes Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino Garavani, and Yves Saint Laurent.

His winning capsule collection, crafted entirely from Merino wool, was developed in collaboration with twelve women from Amsterdam who hand-knitted each piece, blending community, craftsmanship, and surrealism in a way that feels distinctly his own.

Where You Might Know Him From

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, the visuals just might.

His Fall/Winter 2025 show was a bizarre, mesmerising parade of warped silhouettes and inflated proportions. From shoulders stretched past ears or trousers that looked as though they were floating. 

Leon Dame was painted head-to-toe in zebra stripes, wearing matching boots and a speedo. And, of course, the latex breastplate moment that broke the internet and redefined what a viral fashion statement could be.

The collection was wild, weird and somehow still wearable, showcasing Lantink’s ability to blend avant-garde artistry with real-world appeal.

What’s Next?

Now taking the reins at one of fashion’s most iconic and unconventional houses, Duran Lantink is set to bring a fresh perspective to Jean Paul Gaultier. His first ready-to-wear collection will debut at Paris Fashion Week in September 2025, followed by his first couture collection in January 2026.

In a statement released this morning, Lantink said: “I consider Jean Paul Gaultier a genius and part of a generation that kicked down doors, so people like us can walk through them freely and be who we are without apology. Stepping into the role of creative director is a true honour.”