We started the year with painful news for the world of bold fashion: Y/PROJECT announced the closure of the brand on January 9th in an Instagram post, thanking the 14 years of work and innovations that were, for the most part, coordinated by the current creative director of Diesel: Glenn Martens.

This departure is due to the lack of investors after a 6-month search. Although it's painful to see a fashion icon leave, it's also a reminder of the economic recession that has been plaguing the industry since last year. After saying goodbye (and crying), I'll pay a small tribute and explain why I believe Y/PROJECT is more than just textiles and technique; it's a manifesto of daring and brilliant ideas.

Many fashion experts dreamed of a brand that revolutionized while developing an identity. When Y/PROJECT was founded by Gilles Elalouf, it was conceived as a twist on the clothes we wear every day, something extraordinary starting from the ordinary.

Pants, vests, shirts, and sweatshirts... How could one innovate and, at the same time, make this extravagance wearable every day? Well, although you need courage to wear these clothes, they knew there would be style freaks ready to showcase their individuality with denim finishes, asymmetrical zippers, hoodies, and layers of fabric with buttons to give your jeans a much more avant-garde look.

First as an apprentice and then as creative director, Glenn Martens ignited the flame by creating bold prints that portray the human body, more layering in garments, and playful positioning games in traditional suits and everyday shirts. He ended up forming a bold, daring, rebellious, and playful identity that, in my opinion, could have set trends for the 20s.

It's sad to know that no one was there to support the brand's vision after Martens' departure, and we know how difficult it is to let go of a brand that created artistic and unconventional collaborations with Fila, UGG, or Salomon. I'm sure the lesson it leaves us is that there are ways to change reality, routine, and add a much riskier touch.

We trust that this closure will empower thousands of creatives and lead them to create the craziest works that their minds and hands can conceive.