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Fashion luminary Dries Van Noten has announced he will be stepping down from his namesake label, marking the end of an era for the industry. The Belgian-born designer, revered for his innovative eye and bold palettes, revealed his decision in a letter, explaining that it’s been on his mind for a while now.
Van Noten, whose eponymous label was founded with a menswear range in 1986, leaves behind a three-decade legacy of design that is celebrated worldwide. Always bringing together an eclectic mix of textures, prints, and silhouettes, the creative director has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional style, earning him a special place on the Paris Fashion Week schedule.
In a statement, the 65-year-old expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his illustrious career.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with creativity, passion, and countless memorable moments. However, the time has come for me to explore new avenues and embrace fresh challenges,” he wrote, adding that he sees great potential in the new generation of young designers entering the industry. “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 has been the brand’s sole creative lead since its inception. However, in 2018, he sold a majority stake in the business to the Spanish conglomerate Puig. He remained chair of the board and kept his role as creative director.
While the announcement comes as a surprise, particularly amid a wider shift within the leadership of fashion’s biggest design houses, Van Noten didn’t reveal whether he plans to leave the world of design altogether. As his statement noted, he plans on taking more time for his passions.
“I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had time for,” he explains. “I’m sad, but at the same time, happy.”
Having just presented his last womenswear collection as part of the Fall/Winter 2024 fashion month, the designer has confirmed he will leave the business after his menswear show, set to debut in June this year.
