On December 9, Dries Van Noten announced the appointment of Julian Klausner as the brand’s new creative director, signaling the beginning of an eagerly awaited new chapter. Selected after a six-month period following Dries Van Noten’s departure as creative director, the 33-year-old Klausner will oversee both women’s and men’s collections moving forward.
Klausner studied fashion design at Belgium’s prestigious La Cambre National School of Visual Arts, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 2016. He began his career at Maison Margiela before joining Dries Van Noten in August 2018, where he contributed significantly to the women’s wear division, playing a central role in the design and development of collections.
“I have complete confidence in Julian’s creativity and vision,” Dries Van Noten stated in an official announcement. “He is not only a talented designer, but also a clear choice to take over after my departure. His deep understanding of the brand and its values will ensure a seamless transition and a bright future,” he added.
Klausner expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I am beyond thrilled to oversee the upcoming seasons as we begin the next chapter for this house. The incomparable legacy that Dries is leaving behind is monumental, serving as an endless source of precious inspiration. I look forward to embarking on new ambitious challenges while honouring the heritage we all cherish.”
The Journey and Legacy of Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten began his journey in 1986 by launching a men’s line in Antwerp. In 1993, he expanded to women’s wear, debuting on the Paris runway and gaining recognition for his bold use of colors, prints, and intricate embroidery. In 2018, a majority stake in the brand was sold to the Spanish conglomerate Puig, but Van Noten continued to lead the brand’s creative operations.
In June 2024, Van Noten boldly decided to step back from daily operations following a final, celebratory runway show in Paris. The show captivated audiences and was a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career, cementing his place in fashion history.
In recent years, the brand has continued to grow, including the launch of a beauty line and recognition as a thriving niche brand. While Puig does not disclose individual brand sales figures, the company’s third-quarter report highlighted double-digit growth across its high-end brands, including Dries Van Noten.
Klausner’s first men’s winter collection, presented as a lookbook, is set to debut in January 2025. Additionally, his first women’s runway collection as creative director will be unveiled on March 5, 2025, during Paris Fashion Week.
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