The Tamesis
Glenn Martens is undoubtedly one of the busiest men in the fashion industry, having served as creative director at Maison Margiela and Diesel. Still, the Belgian designer took the time to invite penetrate During fashion week, he went to Margiela’s Paris headquarters to discuss the 2026 autumn series.
On Wednesday, Martens presented both his ready-to-wear and handcrafted collections in Shanghai, a presentation that coincided with four exhibitions in China, each dedicated to the brand’s founding principles. The exhibitions will bring Margiela’s history to Chinese audiences, covering everything from its iconic “bianchetto” pattern to the brand’s long-standing philosophy of anonymity. “We love clothes, craftsmanship and clothing,” Martens said. “We don’t want to focus on the person wearing it.”
Martens also revealed the secret weapon he used to win over the studio team in his first weeks on the job: his adorable border terrier, Murphy. “Everyone was smiling, the doors were open, people were screaming, playing,” he recalled. Murphy has since received his own miniature lab coat.
Big picture, Martens wants to keep having fun. “At the end of the day…that’s why we started fashion: because it brings joy.”
