Even the greatest know when to bow out. Designer Dries Van Noten announced on Tuesday, March 19th, that he is preparing to retire. He will present his final fashion show at the helm of his Maison in June. Let’s look back on the career of one of the most iconic couturiers in the fashion industry.
Born in Antwerp in 1958, Dries Van Noten grew up in a family where the love for clothing was intergenerational. Son of a men’s ready-to-wear boutique owner and grandson of a tailor, he quickly showed an interest in fashion that he decided to nurture.
His training began within the walls of the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. In the fashion department of the institution, he honed his technical skills while developing his own artistic vision. In 1986, he made his first steps onto the international stage at an exhibition in London with the collective of the Antwerp Six, a group of young Belgian designers who captivated with the subversive nature of their creations.
That same year, he launched his eponymous brand and presented his first men’s collection “Sailing” at the British Designer Show in Olympia. The designer already stood out for his sensitivity to beautiful materials. Throughout his career, his bold use of color as well as his eclectic blends of patterns and textures would become his signature.
His uniquely original style earned him worldwide renown. In his collections, the Belgian designer highlights oriental-inspired prints by incorporating them into decidedly contemporary and urban pieces. He manages to pay homage to cultures by showing respect and admiration, never crossing into cultural appropriation.
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Featured Photo: Spring-Summer 2015 fashion show © Dries Van Noten
