Belgian fashion icon Dries Van Noten is stepping down as the creative force behind his eponymous label this summer, making the announcement in a Tuesday statement.
The 65-year-old designer is set to bid farewell after the Paris Fashion Week menswear show in June, marking the end of an era for the brand.
Van Noten, renowned for his luxurious colors and cutting-edge styles, rose to fame as part of the famed Antwerp Six, a group of designers who emerged from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in the 1980s. Alongside bold innovators like Walter Van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester, Van Noten helped redefine the boundaries of fashion.
In his statement, Van Noten described his career as “a dream come true” but expressed a desire to shift his focus to new ventures and interests. He shared mixed emotions, saying, “I’m sad, but at the same time, happy.”
The designer assured fans that his label would continue to thrive, with plans to announce his successor “in due time.” In the meantime, his dedicated studio team will oversee the creation of the next womenswear collection.
Van Noten’s decision comes after he sold a majority stake in his brand to Spanish conglomerate Puig in 2018. Despite stepping down as creative director, he will remain chairman of the board, ensuring his vision and legacy continue to shape the fashion world for years to come.
Main image: Robb Report
