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In a move that marks the end of a significant chapter in fashion, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten has decided to step down from his eponymous brand after nearly four decades in the business. According to a recent report from Women's Wear Daily (WWD), the search for Van Noten's successor began some months ago. Noten's decision to step down comes after a period marked by a slow yet remarkable ascendancy in the fashion world.
Dries Van Noten, born in 1958 in Antwerp, comes from a lineage of tailors, being the third generation to pursue this craft. His journey in fashion formally began at the age of 18 when he enrolled in the fashion design course at Antwerp’s prestigious Royal Academy. Upon graduating, he initially worked as a freelance consultant designer before launching his own menswear collection in 1986. Over the years, Van Noten has expanded his brand to include both women's and men's collections for the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons, showcasing his versatile design ethos.
The designer's illustrious career includes milestones such as his 50th fashion show in 2004 and his 100th in 2017, each celebrating the brand's enduring appeal and innovative spirit.
His final bow will take place during the Spring-Summer 2025 men’s show at Paris Fashion Week, setting the stage for a poignant farewell. In a statement shared with WWD, Van Noten expressed his readiness for this transition, stating, “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.”
