Belgian designer Dries Van Noten has announced his decision to step down from his namesake label, with his final show scheduled for June 2025. As part of the legendary Antwerp six, Noten is known for his sprightly, colorful collections and innovative approach to textiles, embroideries, and prints. Over the years, he has dressed Hollywood celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Michelle Obama in his one-of-a-kind creations, bringing a sense of irreverence and fun to the red carpet.
Noten’s red carpet hits include Cate Blanchett’s striking maternity moment at the Oscars in 2008, where she wore one of his embroidered satin gowns. Blanchett is a prolific wearer of Dries Van Noten, as evidenced by her choice of a multicolor floral gown with a cropped blazer that she wore to a premiere in 2020. Former First Lady Michelle Obama has also been spotted in his designs, including a technicolor coat she wore during a visit to Japan in 2015.
One of Noten’s signature elements is the clash of prints, which has been showcased in the red carpet looks of celebrities like Solange at the 2011 Met Gala, where she wore a sleeveless gown covered in mixed geometric patterns. More recently, Hong Chau attended an Oscars luncheon in 2020 wearing a tunic top slashed with two different floral prints. Noten’s distinctive designs have brought a sense of exuberance to Hollywood dressing, standing out amidst a sea of black gowns.
While Noten’s departure will make room for a new generation of talent to bring their vision to the brand, his unique magic will be difficult to replicate. Throughout the years, he has chosen to put forward garments that deliberately stand out, adding color and vibrancy to the red carpet. His legacy as a true legend in the fashion world is solidified by his commitment to pushing boundaries and creating one-of-a-kind pieces that have captivated audiences worldwide.
As the fashion industry prepares to bid farewell to Dries Van Noten’s iconic label, his impact on Hollywood dressing and the fashion world as a whole is undeniable. His colorful, playful designs have graced red carpets and catwalks for decades, leaving a lasting impression on the industry. While his final show in June will mark the end of an era, his legacy as a visionary designer will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
