Dries Van Noten has announced its next creative director as none other than company insider Julian Klausner. This announcement follows the departure of eponymous founder and chief creative officer Dries Van Noten who retired in June of this year, after nearly four decades in fashion.

Van Noten staged his bittersweet swan-song show during June Men’s Fashion Week earlier this year, presenting a range of tuxedo jackets that stretched into elegant duster coats, lavish organza smocks that snaked the body and billowing trousers that bloomed with an explosion of pastel-hued florals. Now, despite retiring, the eponym will continue to undertake an advisory role at the Puig-owned fashion house, primarily within the beauty sector.

Formerly the head of womenswear for the Belgian house, Klausner will make his runway debut on March 5 during Paris Fashion Week, while the Dries Van Noten autumn 2025 men’s collection will be revealed via lookbook format directed by Klausner.

Graduating from prestigious Brussels visual arts and fashion school La Cambre in 2016, Klausner secured internships at Thom Browne, Kenzo and Maison Margiela, where he was then hired as a junior designer that same year.

Starting at DVN six years ago, Klausner’s appointment will see him charged with advancing “both menswear and womenswear, ensuring that the brand’s distinctive and strong identity remains at the forefront of his vision,” according to WWD.

“I am beyond thrilled to oversee the upcoming seasons as we begin the next chapter for this house,” Klausner told WWD. “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.”

Photography courtesy of Dries Van Noten.

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