Belgian Fashion Designer Discusses Family, Inspiration, and Snakes in Candid Interview
Renowned Belgian fashion designer, Glenn Martens, opens up about his personal life, family, and sources of inspiration in a recent interview. Martens, who is the creative director of both Y/Project and Diesel, shares intimate details about his upbringing and the people who have shaped his life.
Martens fondly recalls his childhood in Belgium, where he was raised by his conservative yet supportive maternal grandparents. He reminisces about his grandfather André Arnalsteen, who bravely volunteered to fight in World War II at the young age of 18. Martens also pays tribute to his mirror artist grandfather on his father’s side, Michel Martens, whose work he proudly displays in his Paris apartment.
The designer’s connection to his family is evident in his work, as seen in Y/Project’s spring 2017 campaign, which featured only Martens’ family and childhood friends as models. The campaign was shot in Bruges, a nod to Martens’ Belgian roots.
In a surprising revelation, Martens shares that his nickname growing up was “Apple,” given his strawberry blond hair and rosy cheeks. He also opens up about the loss of his mother in September, a tragedy that led him to seek solace in the Canary Islands, where he befriended a hen named Nina.
Beyond his personal life, Martens delves into his creative process, discussing the unique construction techniques of Y/Project and the playful approach to fabric manipulation at Diesel. He shares anecdotes about the charms on his necklace, including a golden heart locket containing a piece of his best friend’s chipped tooth.
Despite his aversion to snakes, Martens admits to being fascinated by their beauty, as evidenced by a 3-D printed snake featured in Y/Project’s spring 2024 collection. He emphasizes the importance of having fun and not being too precious in fashion, citing a beloved shirt he purchased from a Gap store in Atlanta at the age of 16.
Through his candid interview, Martens offers a glimpse into the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his unique perspective on fashion and life.
