Dries Van Noten Fall 2026
Julian Klausner’s fall collection for Dries Van Noten was a vibrant celebration of eclectic inspiration. Drawing on Antwerp’s 16th-century multicultural “treasure box,” Flemish still life paintings of birds and fruits, and the emotional and sartorial dynamics of high school, Klausner created a collection that swung effortlessly from polished to raw-edged, from sophisticated to youthful. The venue itself, Lycée Carnot, a high school emptied for midwinter break, set the tone, evoking ideas of uniforms, teenage experimentation, and dressing for comfort and security. Sweaters and vest tops in vivid hues, oversize baseball jackets with gold crests, and uniform blazers with contrast piping and cinched waists established a playful rhythm, while plaid was reimagined in sleeveless dresses with high ruffle collars and padded outerwear.
Klausner’s eye for detail and ornamentation shone throughout. He drew from Flemish paintings to craft shimmering belts for faded denim and long top coats, and layered colorful tapestry patches on jackets and skirts to evoke youthful attempts at individuality. Pixelated artworks appeared on coats with stand-up collars, and gobeline jacquard was used for long toggle-front coats, gold-edged jackets, and patchwork bustier tops. The interplay of rich textures, embroidery, and playful silhouettes made each piece feel both referential and wholly original, a nod to art history as much as personal expression.
Despite the multitude of references, patterns, and colors, Klausner managed to unify the collection into a coherent, exuberant tapestry. Each look carried a sense of intentionality, balancing exuberant maximalism with precise tailoring and thoughtful composition. What could have felt chaotic instead felt deliberate, a whimsical yet sophisticated exploration of storytelling through fashion that showcased Dries Van Noten’s signature ability to harmonize artistry and wearability.
