Duran Lantink at Jean Paul Gaultier: fashion awaits its slap in the face
Jean Paul Gaultier opts for surprise. Dutch designer Duran Lantink becomes the company’s new artistic director. An unexpected decision, but far from gratuitous.
A radical choice
The house of Jean Paul Gaultier once again upsets expectations. The appointment stuns the industry. Duran Lantink is little known to the general public. But his work intrigues insiders. He revisits codes, provokes without cynicism, deconstructs to better reconstruct. This strategic gesture affirms Gaultier’s intention: to remain a laboratory, not a museum.
An already striking signature
Duran Lantink is not just starting out. He has collaborated with Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe and Viktor & Rolf. His hybrid aesthetic combines recuperation, deconstruction and social satire. His wardrobe is provocative yet structured. His circular approach – via luxury upcycling – appeals to a demanding public. He invents without overproducing.
A house in the midst of change
Since Jean Paul Gaultier ‘s departure in 2020, the brand has been exploring a new model. Each season, a guest designer signs a haute couture collection. This nomadic system, rare in the luxury sector, maintains the creative momentum. Lantink’s appointment stabilizes this format. He will now have the keys to a ready-to-wear line. A first in over ten years.
Huge expectations for 2026
Duran Lantink’s first collection is announced for 2026. The company is playing for patience. The timing seems calculated. It leaves room for a slow, thoughtful, sustainable installation. At the same time, Gaultier continues his one-off collaborations. But Lantink will bring a more continuous, coherent vision. We expect a new chapter, far from nostalgic rereadings.
With Duran Lantink, Jean Paul Gaultier takes a bold but lucid turn. To follow this transformation and other stylistic bets in Paris, dive into our fashion selection on parisselectbook.com.
