Dries Van Noten promotes Julian Klausner as creative director

A member of the Antwerp Six collective, Van Noten launched his men’s line in Antwerp in 1986 and, in 1993, brought his brand, with the addition of a womenswear line, to the Paris runways. “I’m known for colour and prints and embroideries,” he told Vogue in 2007. “Normally the more clashing it is, the more that I like it.”

In 2018, Van Noten sold a majority stake to Spanish beauty and fashion conglomerate Puig (which began trading as a listed company in May 2024) but continued his role as chief creative officer. In 2022, the designer launched his first beauty line under Puig. In June 2024, after a final celebratory show for a crowd that included many other fashion designers and journalists, he stepped down from day-to-day operations. The SS25 women’s collection presented in September 2024 was designed by the house’s studio. Van Noten sat front row, however, a little hidden, closer to backstage, as he didn’t want his presence to overshadow the work of his colleagues.

Reflecting on the evolution of the role of a creative director in an interview with Vogue Business back in June, he said that designing for Dries Van Noten “is not like a job where you can do just the big lines. It’s very hands-on. It’s somebody who really breathes the love for garments and beauty, really enjoys being busy with fabrics and all those things — not somebody who thinks about marketing”. Having spent a significant part of his career at the house, Klausner will have experienced those values firsthand.

“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,” Klausner said.

Puig doesn’t break down sales of individual brands but said in its third-quarter earnings statement that its niche brands, which include Dries Van Noten, Byredo and Penhaligon’s saw “increasing momentum” and “delivered double-digit growth”.

Klausner will present his first women’s collection as creative director on 5 March during Paris Fashion Week. The house will skip the runway show during Paris men’s week in January and instead will present it in a lookbook directed by Klausner. His first men’s show is slated for June 2025.