Jean Paul Gaultier: Duran Lantink appointed as new artistic director

On Tuesday, the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion house announced the nomination of Dutch designer Duran Lantink as its new artistic director. This decision comes at a time when the brand is seeking to renew itself while remaining faithful to the bold and innovative spirit that has always characterized the work of its founder.

Lantink has made a name for himself in the fashion world thanks to his avant-garde approach. In 2023, he won the Andam Special Prize, followed by the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the LVMH Prize in 2024. His work is distinguished by his ability to blend haute couture with modern and streetwear influences. This mix of aesthetics could be the key to appealing to a new generation while preserving the essence of the Gaultier fashion house.

The new creative director's first ready-to-wear collection will be presented at the spring/summer 2026 fashion shows next September. However, his first couture collection is due to be unveiled in January 2026. Over the years, each designer invited by the fashion house has contributed to increasing the brand's appeal, although today most of Jean Paul Gaultier's revenue comes from fragrances rather than fashion.

Jean Paul Gaultier is part of the Catalan group Puig, a major player in the luxury perfume industry, which also owns prestigious brands such as Rabanne, Charlotte Tilbury, Nina Ricci and Dries Van Noten. In 2024, the Spanish group's turnover reached 4.79 billion euros, an increase of 11% over the previous year. This performance is partly linked to the strength of the Spanish economy, which is much more dynamic than that of its European neighbors.

Last year, Puig carried out the first Spanish IPO in two years, thus reinvigorating the European stock markets. This IPO enabled the group to raise significant funds, which it can now invest to strengthen its market position, finance bold creations and modernize its infrastructure.

The appointment of Duran Lantink as the head of Jean Paul Gaultier's artistic direction thus marks the beginning of a new era for this iconic fashion house, which continues to evolve while remaining true to its heritage.