Dries Van Noten announces his retirement
The famous Belgian designer's last show will take place in June, for the spring 2025 men's season.
The announcement took place on Instagram , in a humble and touching open letter. We see Dries Van Noten beginning his writing, with a tender “Dear Friends ”, followed by a press release explaining the reasons for this unexpected departure.
The designer at the head of his eponymous House looks back on his journey, from a young talent from Antwerp to London and Paris, always supported by trusted loved ones to make his dream a reality. However, after 38 years of career, the designer is turning a page to focus on his many other interests outside of fashion, including his passion for gardening as he mentioned during an interview for WWD .
Dries Van Noten adds to the delight of his aficionados that his withdrawal does not herald the end of his brand. “In due course, we will announce the name of the creator who will continue the story,” he said in his statement. “I have been preparing for this moment for some time, and I believe it is time to make way for a new generation of talent who will bring their vision to the brand.”
To end on a positive note, the Belgian designer thanks the Puig group and the team who have helped him develop his business over the years. It is worth noting that, since partnering with Puig, Dries Van Noten has opened other independent boutiques, launched a range of perfumes and lipsticks, and combined his worlds of fashion and beauty in a new concept store in Paris combining accessories and beauty products. When releasing its 2023 financial results, Puig highlighted that Dries Van Noten was the fastest growing niche brand.
"We respect Dries' wish to step down after an exceptional 38-year career in fashion ," Marc Puig, president and CEO of Puig, said in a separate statement released exclusively to WWD . “It is a great honor for Puig to be entrusted with carrying on his legacy, and a unique responsibility that we will cherish as an exciting new chapter opens for both Dries and the brand.” Now all eyes are on the announcement of the future artistic director...
