Dries Van Noten, the renowned Belgian designer, has embarked on a transformative journey, bidding farewell to the fashion industry he has graced for nearly four decades. As he steps away from the runway, Van Noten's focus has shifted to nurturing his true passion – the captivating world of botanicals and his expansive garden.

Cultivating a New Chapter: Dries Van Noten's Botanical Odyssey

Farewell to the Runway, Hello to the Garden

In a surprising announcement earlier this year, Dries Van Noten revealed his decision to retire from the fashion industry, marking the end of an era. After rising to prominence as part of the renowned Antwerp Six collective in the 1980s, the designer has now chosen to shift his focus to the boundless inspiration he finds in the natural world. Van Noten's final runway show, a shimmering display of silver leaf, was a poignant farewell to the industry he has shaped for so long. "I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had time for," he shared, expressing a bittersweet sentiment as he embraces this new chapter.

The Garden as a Sanctuary

Famously, one of Van Noten's greatest joys is his 55-acre garden, nestled within the grounds of his Palladian-style home near Antwerp. This verdant oasis has long been a source of inspiration for the designer, informing his signature use of color, print, and texture. As he steps away from his role as the brand's creative director and CEO, Van Noten has decided to maintain an advisory position for the Dries Van Noten Beauty line, a natural extension of his deep connection to the botanical world.

Embracing the Rhythm of Nature

"In fashion, you try to control everything. But in the garden, you have to obey nature. It helps me to stay humble," Van Noten reflects. This profound realization has shaped his approach to this new chapter, where he embraces the ebb and flow of the natural world. The designer's garden has become a sanctuary, a place where he can find balance and perspective, in contrast to the meticulous control required in the fashion industry.

Seasonal Delights: A Botanical Kaleidoscope

When asked to choose a favorite flower from his garden, Van Noten's response reveals his deep appreciation for the cyclical beauty of the natural world. From the enchanting purple cyclamen that bloom under the beech trees in summer to the delicate witch hazels that perfume the air in December, the designer's garden is a tapestry of seasonal wonders. Each bloom, from the hellebores to the peonies and roses, holds a special place in his heart, as he celebrates the ever-evolving dance of nature.

Sustainable Stewardship: Dries Van Noten Beauty

The launch of Dries Van Noten Beauty in 2021 was a natural progression for the designer, allowing him to harness the power of botanicals and share his passion with the world. The intrinsic connection between the beauty line and the plants and flowers in Van Noten's garden has informed his decision to maintain an advisory role, ensuring that the brand's ethos of sustainability and quality remains at the forefront.

A New Chapter, A Renewed Perspective

As Dries Van Noten embarks on this new chapter, he approaches it with the same care and attention he dedicates to his garden. "The quality has to be there, from the packaging to sustainability," he emphasizes, underscoring his commitment to upholding the values that have defined his career. With the storms and fallen trees in his garden serving as a metaphor for the changes in his life, Van Noten is embracing the opportunity to find balance and humility, allowing nature to guide his path forward.