"I don't want to force a style and silhouette on my customers. I propose options and possibilities, and they take what they want to wear." Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten was born in Belgium in 1958. His father sold menswear and his grandfather was a tailor. As a boy, he accompanied his father to textile trade fairs and fashion shows around Europe.
Van Noten attended the Royal Academy of Arts in Antwerp, and graduated in 1981. Van Noten presented his first collection in 1986, as part of a group from his graduating class calling themselves the Antwerp Six (which also included Ann Demulemeester and Martin Margiela).
Van Noten is considered an avant-garde designer, creating sophisticated clothing, often using original fabrics. He chooses not to advertise or to produce haute couture. His clothes are sold at retailers, as well as his own boutiques around the world.
"For me, fashion is something that people can enjoy and wear." Dries Van Noten
Van Noten's collections evolve from season to season, rather than changing abruptly. His styles are inspired by folklore and ethnic influences.
Van Noten received the International Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008.