Dries Van Noten: Seven Unforgettable Looks That Have Stood The Test Of Time
With news that the Belgian designer will be stepping down from his namesake label after 38 years, we look back at the outfits that cemented Dries Van Noten's fashion icon status on the red carpet and beyond.
On Tuesday March 19, the announcement that esteemed Belgian designer Dries Van Noten would be stepping down as the creative director of his eponymous brand sent shockwaves through the fashion industry. Noten, who has been at the helm of his brand since 1986 and debuted the first men's spring/summer (SS) line in 1992, will showcase his last SS25 menswear collection in June after almost 40 years as a pioneer and beloved figure in design.
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Taking to his personal Instagram, Noten penned a moving statement which read: ‘In the early 1980s, as a young guy from Antwerp, my dream was to have a voice in fashion. Through a journey that brought me to London, Paris and beyond, and with the help of countless supportive people, that dream came true. Now I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had the time for. I’m sad, but at the same time happy.’
The acclaimed designer went on to write that he'd been 'preparing for this moment for a while' and that 'it's time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand;. Although Noten will continue to have an input in the luxury brand, the CFDA recipient alluded to his tenure being succeeded by a new creative following his final bow (the next women's line will be made by the brand's in-house team). For now, it's unknown who will follow in his impressive footsteps.
With a slew of memorable runway moments under his belt, and a portfolio bursting with innovative, A-list red-carpet moments – Tracee Ellis Ross, Beyoncé and Kristen Dunst are avid fans of the label – the 65-year-old designer's presence will be greatly missed on the 'step-and-repeat'. Recognised for his exceptional use of silhouettes, tactile garments and use of prints (often drawing inspiration from the art world and culture), Hollywood heavyweights have continued to flock to the designer throughout his decades-long career.
Below, are six moments which defined Noten's spot as an esteemed figure in the world of fashion:
Cate Blanchett attends the Oscars, February 2008
A then-heavily pregnant Blanchett wore a midnight printed navy halter dress to the awards. The woven detailing added a layer of elegance to the gown, and Blanchett offset the look with metallic Louboutin heels, a chunky necklace and jewelled clutch.
Rihanna attends the Billboard Awards, May 2016
The musician and entrepreneur wore a green, zebra print dress from the AW16 women's line. The fashion-forward star's glittering attire worked well with silver hoops and a few bracelets scattered on her wrist.
Michelle Obama attends the World Innovation Summit for Education, November 2015
The former First Lady wore a floral-printed silk wrap-around dress at the summit almost a decade ago. Michelle loved the look so much, she plucked it out of her wardrobe for the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in 2016.
Florence Pugh attends the BAFTAs, February 2020
The actor chose a voluminous fuchsia dress with black detailing for the awards, with a matching pink lip and vertiginous heels. The look kicked off a huge week for the film star, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2020 BAFTAs and Oscars.
Cate Blanchett attends the Berlinale Film Festival, March 2020
![berlin, germany february 26 cate blanchett poses at the stateless premiere during the 70th berlinale international film festival berlin at zoo palast on february 26, 2020 in berlin, germany photo by stephane cardinale corbiscorbis via getty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cate-blanchett-berlinale-film-festival-65f9b55cbb37a.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* ""Stateless" Premiere - 70th Berlinale International Film Festival")
Evidently a true fan of Noten's work, the actor wore a blooming, flower-laden dress to the festival in 2020. Blanchett paired the busy dress with a refined blazer, with intricate floral detailing.
Tessa Thompson attends a New York screening of Passing, October 2021
Tessa wore an oversized blazer with ruffles and a peach satin skirt while promoting her film Passing. Dressed by styling duo Wayman and Micah, the outfit was AW21 collection and tied in with the stars avant-garde press tour ensembles.
Kirsten Dunst attends the Baby2Baby Gala, November 2023
Kirsten opted for a form-fitting, sheer dress from the AW23 ready-to-wear line. With a chic up-do, and dark lip, Dunst transformed the look into something that felt timeless but still modern. Leaving the dress to do all the talking, subtle adornments complimented the sensual Dries look.
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