Earlier this morning, designer Dries Van Noten that he will be stepping down from his namesake label. He will take his final bow at his men’s spring 2025 show in June. “I have been preparing for this moment for a while,” he wrote in a statement on
Instagram, “and I feel it’s time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand.” Noten—a Belgian designer who is one of the legendary Antwerp six, alongside Ann Demeulemeester and Walter Van Beirendonck—has certainly left his stamp on the
fashion world. Known for his sprightly, colorful collections, it’s Noten’s approach to textiles, embroideries, and prints that have cemented him as a true legend, always bringing a sense of irreverence and to the catwalks. This is also true in the red carpet sense: Over the years, Noten has dressed some of Hollywood’s finest in floral frocks that are one-of-a-kind. Some of the designer’s best red carpet hits? Back in 2008, Cate Blanchett attended the
Oscars in one of his embroidered satin gowns—delivering a striking maternity moment in the process. The
Actor was a prolific wearer of Dries: She also wore his multicolor floral gown with a cropped blazer to a premiere in 2020. Another famous fan of the designer is Michelle Obama; Back in 2015, the then-First Lady paid a visit to
Japan wearing his technicolor coat. Cate Blanchett in 2008 It’s no surprise that some of Noten’s best moments on the step and repeat have also revolved around the idea of prints clashing—one of his signature elements. At the 2011
Met Gala, Solange rocked the red carpet in his sleeveless gown covered in mixed geometric patterns. Last year, Hong Chau attended an Oscars luncheon in a tunic top slashed with two different floral prints. Throughout the years,
Hollywood dressing has certainly been more exuberant thanks to his distinctive designs. And while his label isn’t going anywhere after he steps down, it’s going to be hard to replicate Noten’s exact magic. In a sea of black gowns, he’s chosen to put forward garments that deliberately stand out, and for that, we will always love him. Below, more of Noten’s best red carpet looks. Florence Pugh in 2020
Rihanna in 2015
Margot Robbie in 2020 Cate Blanchett in 2020