Dries Van Noten has named an heir in Julian Klausner, a designer who has been with the House for six years.
In a statement published to its official Instagram page, the brand announced the fellow Belgian native as its new creative director, confirming that he will oversee both womenswear and menswear collections going forward.
Klausner, who has previously held positions at Maison Margiela, has been working under Dries Van Noten since 2018.
“I am beyond thrilled to oversee the upcoming seasons as we begin the next chapter for this house,” Klausner wrote in the press release. “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.”
Along with Klausner’s excitement, the brand also shared its founder’s sentiments.
“I have complete confidence in Julian’s creativity and vision. He is not only a talented designer but also a clear choice to take over after my departure,” Van Noten added. “His deep understanding of the brand and its values will ensure a seamless transition and a bright future.”
The statement also revealed that Klausner’s first creative direction will be unveiled in a Menswear Winter 2025 collection set to drop as early as January, with his first womenswear collection debuting on March 5th, 2025.
Van Noten announced he would be stepping back from his namesake label in March 2024. The Belgian-born designer, revered for his innovative eye and bold palettes, revealed his decision in a letter, explaining that the decision has been on his mind for a while.
Van Noten, whose eponymous label was founded with a menswear range in 1986, leaves behind a three-decade legacy of design that is celebrated worldwide. Always bringing together an eclectic mix of textures, prints, and silhouettes, the creative director has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional style, earning him a special place on the Paris Fashion Week schedule.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with creativity, passion, and countless memorable moments. However, the time has come for me to explore new avenues and embrace fresh challenges,” he wrote at the time, adding that he sees great potential in the new generation of young designers entering the industry. “I have been preparing for this moment for a while, and I feel it’s time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand.”
It’s not the end of Van Noten’s vision, though. The designer now shifts his attention to the world of beauty, with the release of Dries Van Noten fragrances.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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