It’s the end of an era. Renowned Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten is stepping down from his eponymous label after nearly four decades. The acclaimed designer’s last collection at the creative helm of the brand will be shown in June during the Spring 2025 Men’s Fashion Week. He added that the women’s collection will be designed by his studio. According to a statement released by the designer, the search for a successor has been quietly underway.
“In due time, we will announce the designer who will continue the story,” Van Noten said. “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’s departure from fashion marks a significant loss for the industry. The 65-year-old designer’s journey in fashion began in the early 1980s when he launched his eponymous label in Antwerp, Belgium, alongside a group of other influential designers who would later be dubbed the “Antwerp Six.” From the outset, Van Noten’s designs stood out for their intricate patterns and meticulous tailoring. One of his most notable contributions to the fashion industry is his pioneering use of prints and textiles as he fearlessly experimented with bold patterns, luscious colors, and unexpected combinations, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes “good taste” in fashion. This fearless approach earned him a devoted following of clients and numerous awards, including the CFDA’s International Designer of the Year in 2008.
A true visionary, Van Noten also played a pivotal role in shaping the business of fashion. Unlike many other designers who sought rapid expansion, Van Noten remained steadfastly independent, choosing to maintain control over his brand and resist the pressures of corporate influence for most of his career. Though he ended up selling a majority stake in his Antwerp-based house to Spanish fashion and beauty conglomerate Puig in 2018, Van Noten remained a significant minority shareholder and took on the role of chief creative officer and chairman of the board.
The designer stated that although he will relinquish his position, he will still be involved in “in the house that I treasure so much.”
