Y/Project to cut shows to just two a year

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Jan 8, 2021

Y/Project is changing its strategy. The designer label, which has been led by Glenn Martens since 2013, has resolved to slow down the rhythm of its collections. As at other houses, the Covid-19 crisis has had an impact on the decision, but it is not the only factor being taken into consideration. Along with the pandemic-induced pause for thought concerning the evolution of the fashion industry and the company itself, the brand has undoubtedly had to take another significant element into account: the fact that the timetable of its Belgian designer has become a lot busier since he took over as creative director of Diesel last October. 

"Glenn Martens has decided to break with the intense rhythm of four runway shows a year, in order to allow more time for creativity and experimentation. As of the Fall/Winter 2021/22 season, Y/Project will combine its men's and womenswear into a single collection, which will be presented in January and June, during Paris Fashion Week Men's," announced the house in a release. 
 
"In order to better protect our company and the fashion that we love, we have taken the decision to no longer follow the extreme rhythm of four runway shows a year," explained the brand's creative director. "By freeing up more time, this period of six months between each show will give my team more freedom to explore, more time to perfect the surprising creations that you expect from us."

"During this year of pandemic, I have reflected on the essential reasons for our existence. My team and I take enormous pleasure in experimenting, constantly pushing concepts further and further, developing all of our patterns in house, challenging aesthetic codes by pushing boundaries and transcending limits. We create clothes that question what is expected and accepted, and we celebrate craftsmanship and creativity," continued Martens, highlighting that Y/Project "has never aimed to be a 'standard' fashion brand, or to create clothes only to respond to the expectations of certain markets."

The launch of the brand's first coed collection, which seeks to be "more sustainable and even more ambitious," will take place online, on Sunday, 24 January, at 4 PM, and will be presented both on the label's own website and on Paris Fashion Week's digital platform.