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The renowned Belgian fashion designer, Dries Van Noten, announced his decision to relinquish his role as the creative director of the eponymous label later this year. This announcement was made on Tuesday, March 19. Van Noten, aged 65, indicated that his departure will occur after the forthcoming Paris Fashion Week menswear presentation in June.
Renowned for his mastery in utilizing opulent colors, pioneering avant-garde designs and exhibiting exceptional tailoring skills, Van Noten emerged from the illustrious group known as the Antwerp Six. This cohort, which received its education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp during the 1980s, also includes other audacious designers such as Walter Van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester.
In his statement, Van Noten described his career as “a dream come true.” He articulated a desire to pivot his attention towards pursuits that had been previously neglected due to time constraints. “I’m sad, but at the same time, happy,” he conveyed. Furthermore, Van Noten assured that a successor would be named “in due time,” and in the interim, the next women’s collection would be developed by his studio team. Although Van Noten may not be a universally recognized name, within the sartorial sphere, he is revered by many and often referred to simply by his initials, DVN. As a third-generation tailor, Van Noten initially embarked on his career as a freelance designer prior to the launch of his inaugural menswear collection in 1986.
His contributions to fashion were acknowledged when he received the International Designer of the Year Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008. Van Noten’s prolific career was celebrated with his 100th fashion show in 2017. “My joy is to create a garment that fuses and balances beauty, craft and function,” he stated in an interview available on his website. He further elaborated on his design philosophy, stating, “I enjoy juggling with colours, textures and light in a way that evokes rather than provokes.” His most recent womenswear collection, unveiled this month in Paris, has been acclaimed for infusing daily wear with vibrancy and excitement. The fashion publication WWD described this collection as “audacious everyday,” setting it apart from the prevailing trend towards “quiet luxury.”
In 2018, Van Noten sold a majority stake in his brand to the Spanish conglomerate Puig, yet he continued to serve as both the chairman of the board and the creative director. Following Puig’s acquisition, the brand has expanded its offerings to include beauty and perfume lines, as well as advancing its presence in the e-commerce domain. Van Noten concluded his announcement by extending his gratitude to his clientele and supporters. “Seeing our clothes out in the world… has fulfilled me beyond words,” he remarked, reflecting on the impact of his work in the fashion industry.
