The Dries Van Noten fashion house is preparing to promote an internal talent following the founder’s retirement from the runway earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Market insiders indicate that the company, owned by Puig, has recently ended a lengthy search for a successor, which involved interviews with various candidates from different fashion houses across Europe. Julian Klausner, who has been a womenswear designer at Dries Van Noten since 2018, is now considered a leading candidate for the role.
Details regarding the timing of any promotion or the specific title and responsibilities have not yet been disclosed.
In March, WWD reported that Dries Van Noten, a highly regarded designer with a unique vision, would be stepping down after nearly 40 years in the fashion industry. Van Noten stated at that time, “In due time, we will announce the designer who will continue the story.” His final show took place last June during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. He was also present at the spring 2025 womenswear show in September, which was executed by the studio team and received positive reviews.
Van Noten remains involved in an advisory capacity at the brand he sold to Puig in 2018, focusing primarily on its beauty products. Last August, he introduced four new fragrances under his label, showcasing his signature colors and prints.
The upcoming men’s spring 2025 collection is currently being developed by the studio team. Klausner, a graduate of La Cambre, a prestigious visual arts and fashion school in Brussels, previously interned at renowned brands such as Thom Browne and Kenzo before joining Maison Margiela as a junior designer in 2016.
Dries Van Noten is known for its vibrant colors and bold prints. As one of the original Antwerp Six designers who brought Belgian fashion to global prominence in the 1980s, he has made a lasting impact on both menswear and womenswear. After launching his menswear label in 1986 and opening his flagship store in Antwerp in 1989, Van Noten’s work has continued to resonate within the fashion world.
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