Belgian Designer Dries Van Noten Retires After 38-year Career

Dries Van Noten, an influential Belgian fashion designer and member of the 'Antwerp Six,' has retired at age 66, closing out his 38-year career with a final show during Paris Fashion Week. Van Noten, known for his unique blend of precise tailoring and whimsical expression, has always preferred catering to a select few rather than the masses. His farewell event, attended by over 800 guests including notable designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Thom Browne, featured a retrospective of his career highlights. The decision to retire, made after selling his company to Puig in 2018, was driven by a desire to step away from the demanding fashion industry pace. Van Noten's legacy includes 150 collections that balanced commercial accessibility with artistic craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion world. Despite mixed feelings about retirement, he plans to enjoy his time with his partner, Patrick Vangheluwe, away from the industry.