Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten has announced his decision to step down as Creative Director of his eponymous label after an illustrious 38-year tenure.
The news, confirmed by Dries Van Noten to WWD, has reverberated across the global fashion industry. Van Noten will officially exit his role in June, presenting his final collection for the House at Paris Fashion Week Men’s for Spring/Summer 2025. In his absence, the internal design team will take the reins, overseeing the creation of the SS25 womenswear collection, set to debut in September.
“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,” stated Van Noten. He expressed confidence in his studio team, who will be responsible for the next women’s collection. “In due time, we will announce the designer who will continue the story. However, I will stay involved in the house that I treasure so much.”
Dries Van Noten, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Antwerp before making its Paris Fashion Week debut in Spring/Summer 1992, has become synonymous with bold prints, patterns, and exotic silhouettes that make a distinct statement.
In 2018, a majority stake in the brand was acquired by Puig, which also manages prestigious fashion houses such as Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Byredo. Puig is committed to honoring Van Noten’s remarkable legacy while ushering the brand into a new era. “It is a distinct honor for Puig to now be entrusted with carrying his legacy into the future, and a unique responsibility we will treasure as a new and exciting chapter opens for both Dries and the brand,” stated Marc Puig, chairman, and chief executive officer of Puig to WWD.
