Y/Project
“I was thinking, What’s the core of the clothing I make? At the end of the day, it’s to make people happy. The biggest thing you can do now is to bring emotion, because people want what they wear to stand for something.” - Glen Martens
Glen Martens, the Creative Director of Y/Project, told Vogue his simple yet profound motivation behind his Spring/Summer ‘21 collection. It seems everyone these days is searching for purpose, or a way to express themselves whether it's through social media presence, spirituality or in Martens’ case, clothing. The Belgian designer studied under the tutelage of John Galliano before creating his own unisex label, “Y/Project,” in 2013. The brand’s signature is reconstructed denim, oversized silhouettes and classic menswear inspired separates and these designs make their way into Martens’ SS ‘21 collection in bold and exciting ways.
Leaning towards a maximalist theme, Y/Project’s most recent collection plays with layering textures, patterns and color that draw one’s eye into the lookbook. Playing with denim jeans waistlines in dramatic shapes like deep “v’s” and pronounced pockets aren’t only restricted to pants but floor length jackets as well. What’s even more interesting than the complex approach to styling in this “Evergreen” collection is that all of these pieces are the brand’s most recognizable garments but they have been reimagined in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. This collection definitely has layers to it - and we mean that literally and figuratively. These familiar garments from collections past are imagined in new ways, truly pointing out how versatile they can be from many viewpoints. For example, a brown, cream and yellow wool sweater is shown worn under a dress and the same sweater is also shown worn with a bralette top and trench coat. Perhaps our favorite looks are those that present themselves to be more feminine. Deconstructed menswear shirts make suggestive striped dresses with cutout detailing and are paired with white tights and kitten heels.
Another favorite look is a long sleeved neon green snake print dress with a high slit reaching the hip bone paired with matching heels that complement a “power sleeve” moment. Perhaps our most favorite ensemble is a rose pink pantsuit. This dusty rose colored power suit has everything one could wish for in a suit; dramatic sleeves, oversized relaxed pants and bold color is Y/Project’s formula for this wild ensemble. That signature deconstructed look that Martens is famous for presents itself in folded pants but screams femininity with rose-like sleeve detailing around the wrist of the jacket.
“Versatility in wearability is a constant connection point between the different typologies of our garments. One design can be worn in different ways, creating a different emotion. We encourage our customers to question themselves. How do we feel? How do we want to be perceived? The garment is conceived to prolong each singular emotion. There is no correct answer.” – Glen Martens
Glen Marten’s vision for his SS ‘21 collection holds femininity, masculinity and sustainability all in the balance. Deconstruction, garments reimagined and dramatic silhouettes are the solution for finding and creating purpose in this collection and Marten’s pulled out all the tricks in his pocket to do so. Using color, texture, shapes and accessories, Y/Project provides endless versatility by pairing familiar garments with a new approach to demonstrate the many ways to wear a single item. Despite this new path that Martens has decided to travel down, he stays true to his creative and peculiarly fresh way of looking at form and figure. He’s inspired us to do the same when it comes to our own closets and the ways we look at garments we wear everyday. In our opinion it's just what we needed in these times of isolation, in these times where we could use a little imagination and creativity.
xo
SS
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