In a significant move signaling a new era for the House of Jean Paul Gaultier, Duran Lantink has been appointed as the permanent Creative Director. This marks the end of the brand's collaborative phase, which saw a series of guest designers lending their unique perspectives to the Gaultier aesthetic over the past five years.

Jean Paul Gaultier himself expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, drawing parallels between Lantink's vibrant energy and audacious approach to his own early career. Gaultier welcomed Lantink as the "new enfant terrible of fashion," a nod to Gaultier's own groundbreaking and convention-defying legacy.

Lantink's debut collection for Jean Paul Gaultier is highly anticipated during Paris Fashion Week in September, where he will present his ready-to-wear vision. This show marks the brand's return to ready-to-wear after more than a decade-long hiatus, adding further anticipation to Lantink's unveiling. Following this, his first Haute Couture collection for the House is scheduled for January 2026, promising a cohesive creative direction across all of Jean Paul Gaultier's offerings.

The appointment of a permanent in-house designer follows a period of collaborations with guest designers such as Haider Ackermann, Glenn Martens, Olivier Rousteing, Chitose Abe, Simone Rocha and, most recently, Ludovic De Saint Sernin. Each designer brought a unique flavor to the brand, temporarily redefining its codes. The decision to bring in a permanent creative director suggests a strategic shift towards a unified vision under Lantink's guidance.

Duran Lantink's rise in the fashion world has been meteoric. He has won the Karl Lagerfeld special jury prize at the LVMH competition in 2024 and a special prize from ANDAM in 2023. Lantink was also among the finalists for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize. His designs have been worn by renowned artists such as Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and Janelle Monáe, for whom he created the viral "vagina pants" in the music video for her song "Pynk."

Lantink himself expressed his deep respect for Jean Paul Gaultier, calling him a "genius" and recognizing his role in opening doors to freedom of expression in fashion. Lantink acknowledged Gaultier's impact on challenging norms and pushing boundaries. He sees the brand as one that combines a radical vision with unique expertise and integrates cultural disciplines to create a perpetual creative movement.

Industry sources suggest that Lantink's playful and committed approach to fashion aligns perfectly with Jean Paul Gaultier's aesthetic lineage. While Lantink's silhouettes and aesthetic challenge conventions through playful volumes, padding, and the use of austere colors, they are somewhat reminiscent of the work of the enfant terrible himself, who has been a source of inspiration for Lantink since his beginnings.

The fashion world is now watching closely to see how Duran Lantink will interpret and evolve the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier brand while staying true to its legacy of innovation and boundary-breaking designs. His debut collection in September promises to be a defining moment, setting the stage for the future of the House.