After announcing his retirement in June, Van Noten set a clear expectation for his successor: to “dare” and continue surprising the fashion industry. The 33-year-old Klausner, who has been an integral part of the brand since 2018, emerged as the natural choice to lead the next chapter of this iconic fashion house.
Klausner’s journey with the brand began when he joined the design studio in 2018, quickly rising to head of womenswear. His deep understanding of the brand’s ethos and creative vision made him the ideal candidate to succeed Van Noten. The legendary Belgian designer expressed complete confidence in Klausner’s ability to maintain the brand’s distinctive character, describing him as not just a talented designer but the clear choice for continuation.
Unlike many fashion houses experiencing leadership transitions, Dries Van Noten appears to be navigating this change with remarkable stability. The brand isn’t seeking a radical reinvention but instead aims to build upon its established legacy. Van Noten’s final collection in June was an emotional farewell that emphasized the importance of maintaining the brand’s core identity while moving forward.
In his statement, Klausner demonstrated a profound respect for the brand’s heritage while signaling his intent to introduce fresh perspectives. “I am beyond thrilled to oversee the upcoming seasons as we begin the next chapter for this house,” he explained. The young designer sees Van Noten’s incomparable legacy as an “endless source of precious inspiration” while being eager to embark on new creative challenges.
Klausner’s background is noteworthy. A graduate of the prestigious La Cambre fashion design program in Brussels, he previously worked at Maison Margiela before joining Dries Van Noten. Despite his relatively low-key profile in the international fashion scene, he has made a significant impression within the brand.
A recently released video provides insight into Klausner’s design philosophy. Captured working in a wardrobe fitting, he emphasized his commitment to authenticity: “The last thing I wanted to do is imitate Dries. I want to push it forward and do something new.” Yet, he remains true to the brand’s core principle of provoking emotion through design.
The transition seems symbolically complete, with Klausner even wearing a dark navy jumper reminiscent of Van Noten’s famous daily uniform—a subtle nod to the brand’s continuity and respect for its founding designer.
As the fashion world eagerly anticipates Klausner’s first men’s collection, to be presented as a lookbook in January, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and optimism. The appointment represents more than a mere leadership change; it’s a carefully orchestrated passing of the creative torch that promises to honor the past while boldly stepping into the future.