Dries van Noten, born in Belgium in 1958 started his career after graduating in 1980 from the Antwerp Fashion Academy. Before going onto producing his own collection, van Noten freelanced for some years. In 1986 he had his breakthrough with the presentation of his menswear in London, this year he also joined together with 5 other Antwerp designers, they are known as the Antwerp six. After this success he opened his own boutique in Antwerp with his women and men’s collections. Three years later he gave up his little boutique and moved his store to a five-storey department store. Because of his major success van Noten started opening stores all over the world; Paris, Milan, Tokyo , Hong Kong.
His designs are know for there informal mix of western and eastern or folkloric fabrics. Van Noten always had a passion for fabric, this is why he makes his clothes by hand. If you by a Van Noten piece you can be certain it is authentic. This famous designer gets his inspiration of his city, Antwerp where he lives and works. He states: "One of the big luxuries of being in Antwerp is that I can easily walk in the city. In Paris and New York I am more recognized." Watching people on the streets he says is his biggest stimulation.
Van Noten, who turned 50 last month, won the award of International Designer of the year 2008 from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
