Glenn Martens Shook The Internet with Maison Margiela's Haute Couture Fall Winter 2025/2026 Paris Runway Show

Glenn Martens made an unforgettable debut as creative director for Maison Margiela's Haute Couture Fall Winter 2025/2026 collection in Paris, a show that truly "shook" and "captivated" the internet.

Martens' first collection for the iconic brand was widely described as "chilling and dystopian and beautiful", establishing a tone that was both gothic, dark, and gritty, even evoking a "silent hell horror slasher" vibe.

The collection showcased extreme silhouettes, frequently veiled or incorporating tantalizing plastic/PVC elements that covered but still revealed the clothing.

A significant theme was the post-apocalyptic salvaging of materials, creating new forms from decay and discarded items, reflecting a deep engagement with concepts of time, mortality, and preservation.

Martens demonstrated masterful manipulation of textiles and rich textures, exploring the destruction of fabric to its rebirth. Models wore face coverings, a signature element invented by Martin Margiela himself to keep the focus solely on the clothes, enhancing the avant-garde fantasy of the collection.

Overall, the show was hailed as an "incredible debut", seen as a powerful return to the Maison’s roots while also honoring the legacies of both Martin Margiela and John Galliano. Many observers considered it an "absolute art of fashion" and "this is couture".