Jean Paul Gaultier is said to have set his sights on Duran Lantink to lead its creative direction, with speculation surrounding the appointment intensifying in recent weeks. According to industry sources, the Dutch designer—renowned for his unconventional approach to fashion—has already begun working with the Parisian house. Jean Paul Gaultier has not yet responded to requests for confirmation.
Splitting his time between Amsterdam and Paris, the 37-year-old designer has experienced a meteoric rise over the past two years. After launching his label in 2019, Lantink saw his momentum stall due to the pandemic but made a strong comeback through major fashion competitions and runway debuts in Paris. He claimed the Special Prize from Andam in 2023, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the LVMH Awards in 2024, and was a finalist for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize.
Lantink’s signature lies in his masterful upcycling, transforming unsold garments and luxury house deadstock into striking, unexpected silhouettes. His ability to sculpt bold volumes using padding and precise cutouts has cemented his reputation as one of the most inventive designers of his generation.
His irreverent sense of humor and avant-garde approach draw clear parallels to Jean Paul Gaultier himself, whom Lantink has often cited as a creative influence. His blend of playfulness, sustainability, and deconstructed couture makes him a fitting choice to infuse the house with fresh energy.
Jean Paul Gaultier stepped away from the runway in 2020, closing a defining chapter of his career with his final haute couture collection. The designer had previously sold his brand to Catalan conglomerate Puig in 2011 and discontinued ready-to-wear in 2015.
Since then, the house has reintroduced ready-to-wear in 2021, revamped its e-commerce platform, and revived haute couture through a rotating series of guest designers. Among those who have reinterpreted Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic codes are Nicolas Di Felice, Glenn Martens, Olivier Rousteing, Haider Ackermann, and most recently, Ludovic de Saint Sernin—who was also rumored to be in the running for the creative director role.
With this transition, Jean Paul Gaultier may now be preparing to conclude its series of guest collaborations, marking a significant new era for the house.
