Glenn Martens Bids Farewell to Diesel

News of his exit comes just ahead of the brand's Milan show; the designer will remain in his role as creative director of Maison Margiela.

Following a six-year tenure at Diesel, Glenn Martens will step down as creative director of the brand after the Spring 2027 runway show at the start of Milan Fashion Week. Its parent company OTB Group announced the news Friday, stating in a press release that his exit marks the conclusion of a “transformative chapter in the brand’s history.” Martens will remain creative director of Maison Margiela — also owned by OTB — a role he took on last year after John Galliano’s departure.Diesel founder Renzo Rosso tapped Martens to lead the denim powerhouse back in 2020, introducing himself to the role with the “Diesel x Diesel” campaign, which dug into the label’s late-1980s archive for inspiration. From there, fabric twisting and wrapping (techniques he’d honed in his previous position at Y/Project) quickly became a defining feature of the designer’s collections for the brand. “Glenn Martens’ contribution to Diesel has been extraordinary,” said Rosso in the press release. “Through his vision, talent and commitment, he has transformed the way the brand is perceived, forging a strong connection with younger generations and creating a solid foundation for its future. He brought Diesel back to the centre [sic] of the global fashion conversation while preserving the openness, energy and accessibility that have always distinguished us. We are deeply grateful for everything he has achieved.” Martens’ provocative campaigns helped push the brand beyond its denim-focused roots and back into the broader fashion conversation — a sensibility that carried through to the teaser for his final Spring 2027 show, posted on his and the brand’s Instagram, which features a model baring their backside on foggy glass. Per the press release, Diesel will announce the next chapter of its creative leadership in due course, leaving unanswered the question of who will inherit the momentum Martens has generated over the past six years. Do you have an emerging brand you want to share with Fashionista readers? Jumpstart your business with our affordable digital offerings.