Belgian fashion luminary Dries van Noten, renowned for his distinctive aesthetic and innovative designs, has declared his departure from his eponymous fashion label, marking the end of a remarkable four-decade-long career in the industry.
The 65-year-old creative visionary revealed his decision to step down as the creative director of Dries van Noten after the presentation of the brand’s men’s show for the spring-summer 2025 season at Paris Fashion Week in June. Subsequently, the reins of the Women’s spring-summer collection will be handed over to Van Noten’s studio team.
“I have been preparing for this moment for a while, and I feel it’s time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand,” van Noten stated in an Instagram post, expressing his readiness for this transition.
Van Noten’s illustrious journey in fashion commenced in 1986 when he launched his menswear line following his graduation from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. His pivotal involvement with the Antwerp Six collective, under the guidance of Linda Loppa, propelled him into the fashion spotlight and garnered his initial major orders.
Over the years, Van Noten’s brand has evolved into a revered pillar of the industry, celebrated for its bold use of colors and patterns within the luxury fashion sphere. Milestones such as his 50th fashion show in 2004 and his 100th show in 2017 underscore the enduring impact of his creative vision.
Recognition of his contributions to the fashion world came in various forms, including the prestigious International Designer of the Year Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the global fashion landscape.
The strategic decision to sell a majority stake of his brand to Spanish fashion conglomerate Puig in 2018 foreshadowed the eventual succession plan, setting the stage for a seamless transition.
Reflecting on his journey, van Noten remarked, “In the early ‘80s, as a young guy from Antwerp, my dream was to have a voice in fashion. Through a journey that brought me to London, Paris and beyond, and with the help of countless supportive people, that dream came true.”
As the fashion industry anticipates the announcement of the designer who will carry forward the legacy of the Dries van Noten brand, the departure of its visionary founder marks the dawn of a new chapter, where innovation and creativity continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of fashion.