Van Noten's Farewell: The End Of An Era
Embracing new horizons for a final act in fashion.
Beloved Belgian designer Dries Van Noten, renowned for his vibrant prints and designs, has revealed his upcoming departure from his iconic fashion label. His final show as creative director is scheduled for the men's spring 2025 season in Paris.
Recognized for his opulent exotic palettes and innovative approaches, Van Noten emerged as part of the famed Antwerp Six, a group of designers trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp during the 1980s. Among his peers were Walter Van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester who became in their own right global fashion icons for their own brands.
An undeniable legacy
Reflecting on his journey, Van Noten shared in an Instagram post, "In the early '80s, as a young man from Antwerp, my aspiration was to make a mark in the fashion world. Now, I aim to dedicate my time to pursuits I've longed to explore. It's with a mix of emotions that I announce my decision to step down at the end of June. This transition has been on my mind for some time, and I believe it's time to make space for a new wave of creatives to shape the brand's future."
Van Noten gained international attention when he and his Antwerp compatriots made waves in London during the mid-1980s. In 1986, he established his own label and inaugurated his premier boutique in Antwerp, later debuting his women's collection on the Parisian runways in 1993. "I aimed to carve a unique path in fashion," he explained in 2000. "My collections featured delicate dresses adorned with rose motifs and infused with elements of Indian aesthetics."
His contributions to the fashion industry were further recognized when he received the prestigious International Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008.
His most recent women's collection, unveiled in Paris, earned acclaim for injecting vibrancy and excitement into everyday apparel. Described as "boldly chic" by fashion observers, it served as a departure from the prevailing trend of understated luxury.
A bright future ahead
Although a successor has yet to be named, discussions with potential candidates in Europe are underway, as reported by industry sources.
Van Noten will maintain his role as chief creative officer and chairman of the board within the parent company Puig.
He assured followers that his spring 2025 women's collection will be crafted by his dedicated studio team, expressing full confidence in their abilities to uphold the brand's legacy.
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