Dries van Noten

DRIES VAN NOTEN

Dries van Noten is a Belgian fashion designer who has been in the industry for over 30 years. He was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1958 and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. 

He first got famous as part of the ‘Antwerp Six’ in 1980s. Dubbed the Antwerp Six after attending a trade show in London where no-one could pronounce their names, the group’s work is still referenced by the likes of Demna Gvasalia and Raf Simons.

Dries van Noten launched his eponymous label in 1986 with a menswear collection.

He is known simply for his clothes and is loved for his clothes. He has earned a cult like following. His signature is print-mashing and color clashing. He often incorporates traditional techniques and fabrics, such as embroidery and brocade, into modern silhouettes.

Dries Van Noten's menswear collections are often influenced by art, music, and culture, and he has referenced everything from Japanese street style to the paintings of Francis Bacon in his designs. He is also known for his use of tailored silhouettes, which he often pairs with more relaxed, casual pieces.  In recent collections, Van Noten has continued to experiment with color and print, while also incorporating more sustainable materials and production methods.

Throughout his career, Dries van Noten has remained independent and has not sold his brand to a larger fashion conglomerate. This has allowed him to maintain creative control over his collections and to stay true to his own design aesthetic. Starting SS'23, Dries van Noten menswear, bags and shoes are available at TONS Pittsburgh.