Wwd/Penske Media/Getty Images
The Paris-based fashion house Y/Project is shutting down operations after 14 years in business. The announcement came through Instagram following months of financial strain and leadership changes.
The label entered court administration in Paris after creative director Glenn Martens departed and co-founder Yohan Serfaty passed away. While Hong Kong's AA Investments proposed a €45,000 acquisition offer, the minimal sum proved insufficient to sustain operations. With no other buyers emerging, the company opted to cease activities.
Founded in 2010 by Yohan Serfaty and Gilles Elalouf, Y/Project gained recognition for its experimental designs under Glenn Martens' direction. The brand won the ANDAM Grand Prize in 2017 and reached the LVMH Prize finals in 2016. Its signature deconstructed denim and trompe-l'œil effects attracted celebrities like Travis Scott and Kanye West, while collaborations included partnerships with FILA, SALOMON, Canada Goose and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Select pieces from Y/Project's archives will be donated to major museums including Paris' Palais Galliera and Musée des Arts Décoratifs, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Antwerp's MoMu.
The closure highlights ongoing challenges in the luxury sector, particularly for independent fashion houses trying to maintain stability without major conglomerate backing. Recent industry reports show declining growth rates across luxury markets, with smaller brands facing heightened pressure from rising costs and shifting consumer spending.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.