In March 2024, the fashion industry was shaken by news of legendary designer Dries Van Noten’s retirement after 38 years as creative director of his eponymous brand, Dries Van Noten. He chose to step down to focus on other pursuits he hadn’t had time for previously.

His final show, presenting the men’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection, became a poignant farewell to his illustrious career. Held in Paris, the event drew fashion luminaries and cultural figures who gathered to honor his legacy. Among the esteemed guests were his peers and members of the Antwerp Six, including Pierpaolo Piccioli, Thom Browne, Ann Demeulemeester, and Walter Van Beirendonck.

Alain Gossens, who participated in Van Noten’s debut show in 1991, opened the event with a minimalist ensemble featuring a double-breasted long coat, khaki trousers, and sandals. The runway showcased striped jackets, classic suits with semi-transparent elements, and shimmering outerwear. Van Noten also incorporated Japanese motifs, including a floral print crafted using the ancient Suminagashi technique.

Describing the collection as a “reflection on contemporary elegance and thinking beyond what was before,” Van Noten infused his signature style into every detail. He viewed this show, his 129th, not just as a fashion presentation but as a forward-looking exploration of nostalgia for the future, seen through the lens of progress and change.

Reflecting on his career transition on Instagram, Van Noten wrote, “Like all my previous shows, this one looks ahead. I think about how Marcelo Mastronanni once spoke of ‘Nostalgia for the Future,’ about how we continue to pursue our dreams, knowing that someday we can look back on them with love.”

As he concludes his tenure at Dries Van Noten, Dries Van Noten leaves behind a legacy of innovation and timeless elegance that will resonate with admirers and colleagues alike for years to come.

Abschied einer Legende: Die letzte Kollektion von Dries Van Noten und ihr Erbe der Eleganz