After a long wait, it is now clear who will succeed Dries van Noten at the creative helm of the Belgian fashion house of the same name.
Julian Klausner is the new creative director of the fashion house, which is part of the Spanish fashion and cosmetics group Puig, Dries van Noten announced on Monday. Klausner, who will lead the women’s and men’s collections, will ensure that the “distinctive and strong identity of the brand” is at the heart of his vision.
“I am beyond excited to lead the coming seasons as we embark on the next chapter for this property,” said Klausner. “The unparalleled legacy Dries leaves behind is monumental and serves as an endless source of valuable inspiration. I look forward to taking on new ambitious challenges while preserving the heritage we all value.”
The creative director comes from our own ranks
Klausner comes from our own ranks and has been active for the brand since August 2018. Since then, he has worked “side by side” with the brand founder on the design and development of the women’s collections, according to the statement. In January, the 2025 men’s winter collection will be presented as a lookbook under the direction of Julian Klausner. He will present his first women’s collection as creative director on the catwalk on March 5th.
Before joining Dries van Noten, he studied at La Cambre / Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels in Brussels, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion design in 2016.
“I have complete confidence in Julian’s creativity and vision,” says brand founder Dries Van Noten. “Not only is he a talented designer, but he is also the clear choice to take over after I leave. His deep understanding of the brand and its values will ensure a seamless transition and a bright future.”
Van Noten announced his retirement in March after nearly 40 years at the helm of the eponymous label and showed his final collection during the men’s shows in Paris in June. The women’s SS25 collection was presented in September by the Atelier team, which includes Klausner.