Also available in: Italian
Dries Von Noten, codes of genius
From February 13 to July 19, 2015
MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp
Nationalestraat 28, BE-2000 Antwerp
This is the address for the most interesting retrospectives dedicated to fashion in this period. Dries Von Noten is the undisputed protagonist.
For whoever is unfashionable, perhaps his name will not mean much. For those who are a fan, will know that Dries Van Noten is a name, in fact an important one in the international fashion scene. Born in 1958 in Antwerp, in the late eighties he was a member, along with other five countrymen of the movement of the “Antwerp Six” -Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Marina Yee, Dirk Van Saene, Ann Demeulemeester- that with a van load of their creations landed in London captivating the British press. Since then they have only had success.
Since then, the Dries Van Noten has had a gradual ascent; an original fact of a personal aesthetic vocabulary that combines fashion with the visual arts of different periods, winking at cultures’ more or less distant and intimate experiences. Each creation brings with it a cultural universe of suggestions, ideas and influences. Therefore, the Belgian designer has become so influential in cultural circles. More than a show, a universe is what opens the door to Antwerp.
The style of the brand Van Noten is characterized by the use of prints, often ethnic, colors and original fabrics, and garments composed of several layers. The use of classical forms combined with technological and experimental materials, to build leaders in ancient sartorial tradition, represent the main business strategy of the designer.
For next spring his work for fashion investigates the world of ballet. Nothing unnecessary, sentimentality and feminine details. The elegance and masculinity is expressed by a well-formed and manly body. The sporty vocation is inextricably linked to unstructured cuts and a choice of fabrics that nods to the East. For next winter, crisp outlines that are rather nomadic characterized by overlapping ethnic looks, experimentation in textiles touches the highest peaks.
A subtle eroticism that moves in scrimatura between manhood and technique. It is a must for next spring.
Now his world, his inspirations, his music are on display at the fashion museum in Antwerp.
Comments by CHELSEA BORRKS