Stop scrolling, fashion fanatics. We need to talk about the collection that set Paris Fashion Week on fire—the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 2026 ready-to-wear debut by the house's new permanent Creative Director, Duran Lantink. After a thrilling rotation of guest designers, Lantink is ushering in an era of audacious, full-throttle fashion freedom. If you thought Gaultier’s legacy couldn't get more provocative, prepare to be surprised.

Gaultier’s Cult Junior Line

Lantink’s vision, titled "JUNIOR," is a direct and rowdy tribute to Gaultier’s cult Junior line from the late 80s and early 90s, channeling the carefree, sweaty anarchy of Amsterdam’s legendary club scene. This wasn’t a collection born from boring mood boards; it was born from visceral memory. The atmosphere was energetic, urgent, and alive, giving us a playful yet profound conversation about identity, sex, and the body.

Brilliant Duranification

The designer's process, which he calls "Duranification," involves brilliantly distorting the house's most sacred codes. The legendary Marinière sailor stripe—a cornerstone of the brand—is twisted and spun, appearing not as a simple knit, but as an optical illusion wrapping the body in dizzying pattern play.

But the Real Showstoppers?

The sheer, second-skin mesh and bodysuits. Lantink pushed boundaries by featuring trompe l’oeil anatomy prints—boldly featuring realistic illustrations of the male torso, complete with hair and anatomical detail—blurring the line between garment and flesh. It’s a moment of fashion-as-manifesto, amplifying the erotic and the eccentric, daring you to defy modesty.

Gaultier’s Signature

Beyond the prints, exaggerated, armor-like volumes dominated the runway. Gaultier’s signature cone bra was channeled into dramatically inflated bomber jackets and cinched, almost sci-fi silhouettes, offering a modern, forceful take on hyper-femininity and power dressing. In a sea of quiet luxury, Lantink’s debut is loud, defiant, and gloriously unpolished.

He’s successfully resurrected the rebellious heart of JPG. This is fashion for the fearless, the club kids, and anyone ready to ditch the safe for the spectacular. Are you ready to embrace the unhinged energy of the new Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 2026? Which statement piece are you adding to your anarchy archive?