Fashion icon Dries Van Noten shocks the industry with announcement of stepping down as creative director
In a surprising turn of events, Dries Van Noten, the renowned fashion designer, has announced his decision to step down as the creative director of the brand that bears his name. The fall 2024 men’s show, scheduled to take place in Paris in June, will mark his final collection at the helm.
At 65 years old, Mr. Van Noten expressed his desire to shift his focus to other aspects of his life that he had previously neglected. In a letter sent to editors, he reflected on his successful career and stated, “My dream was to have a voice in fashion. That dream came true. Now, I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had time for.”
As one of the original members of the Antwerp Six, a group of Belgian designers who made a significant impact on the fashion world in the early 1980s, Mr. Van Noten has been a trailblazer in the industry. His departure from his eponymous brand signifies a rare example of a designer willingly passing the torch to a new generation of talent.
Despite selling a majority stake in his brand to the Puig fashion and fragrance business in 2018, Mr. Van Noten remained actively involved in the creative direction of the company. The partnership allowed the brand to expand into new categories, including beauty and fragrance, while ensuring its future sustainability.
While the fashion industry’s relentless pace has been a driving force for Mr. Van Noten throughout his career, he has also been a vocal advocate for more sustainable production practices. His departure from the brand marks a new chapter for both himself and the fashion house he founded in 1986.
As Mr. Van Noten prepares to hand over the reins to a new designer, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the announcement of his successor. His legacy as a designer, gardener, and industry innovator is sure to endure, setting a new standard for graceful transitions in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
