Y/PROJECT TO CEASE OPERATIONS

Y/Project, the fashion label renowned for its innovative designs and boundary-pushing aesthetics, is set to cease operations. This decision follows the passing of the brand’s founder and late CEO, Gilles Elalouf, who was integral in establishing the label in 2010. Elalouf’s vision and leadership were pivotal in shaping Y/Project’s unique identity within the fashion industry.

In September 2024, Glenn Martens, who had served as the creative director for 11 years, announced his departure from Y/Project. Martens expressed gratitude for the support and freedom he received to express his vision while expanding on the creative artistry that the label established. He will continue his role as creative director of Diesel, with his next collection set to present during Milan Fashion Week. 

The closure of Y/Project marks the end of an era for a brand that has been celebrated for its experimental approach, challenging gender norms and traditional fashion conventions. The label’s shows in Paris attracted the admiring attention of many across the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion world. As the brand prepares to wind down its operations, the fashion community reflects on its significant contributions to the industry.

https://www.yproject.fr 

Y/Project, founded in 2010 by Belgian designer Gilles Elalouf, quickly became one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing fashion labels in the industry. The brand was known for its avant-garde designs that blurred the lines between gender, with its experimental and deconstructed approach to garments. Y/Project’s commitment to redefining fashion conventions attracted attention from major retailers and fashion critics alike. Its bold designs, from oversized silhouettes to hybrid clothing pieces, were often lauded for challenging the status quo, earning the brand a prominent place in the international fashion scene. The label’s ability to fuse art and fashion was demonstrated through collaborations with high-profile brands and artists, further cementing its legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion world.

The brand’s creative direction shifted significantly when Glenn Martens took over as creative director in 2013. Martens, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, brought a distinct and refined vision to Y/Project, transforming it into a cult favorite. His work was marked by an inventive use of textures, complex tailoring, and unconventional silhouettes that captured both the surreal and the wearable. Under Martens’ guidance, Y/Project won the 2017 ANDAM Fashion Award and continued to make waves on the runway with its boundary-defying collections. Despite Martens stepping down in 2024 to focus on his role at Diesel, Y/Project’s legacy as a revolutionary label in fashion remains a testament to the bold vision of its past creative directors and its founder.

“After 14 fruitful years, Y/PROJECT has made the challenging decision to stop operations.  

Y/PROJECT and the team thank all partners and Y/P supporters for their unwavering dedication to the brand throughout the years. 

Special thanks to Glenn Martens, Pascal Conte-Jodra, and the late Gilles Elalouf for giving their team the space to create and grow.”