DRIES VAN NOTEN - F2010 - PH. MARCIO MADEIRAFashion designer Dries Van Noten celebrates a new shop-in-shop in New York's Bergdorf Goodman this fall. The eclectic furnishings and avant-garde decor are a true reflection of the clothes they display. Mr. Van Noten has made his career on creating fashion that is described just that way - eclectic, avant-garde, and luxe. Van Noten has a unique point of view, with his hometown of Antwerp, Belgium present in everything he does. Van Noten burst on the fashion scene in 1980 in a group showcase presented in London - "The Antwerp 6 Collective" in 1980. The show featured the talent of 6 recent graduates of Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Ann Demeulemeester and Dirk Bikkembergs are two other notable members of The Antwerp 6 as they became known in the press. Van Noten started as a Menswear designer and now has a loyal following of Women for his collection shown twice a year. (4 full collections yearly - 2 Menswear, 2 Womenswear -Spring & Fall).
While Dries Van Noten has built a following around the world, his designs remain intimate and personal as if from a very small atelier. The designer only shows clothes that will be sold in stores, is self-financed, and is surprisingly affordable. Don't get me wrong, the price-point is designer and of course, expensive. 
DRIES VAN NOTEN - FALL 2010 - PH: MARCIO MADEIRA However to be able to buy a jacket NOT made in China that has the fabric, and fit of a Van Noten for around $1,500.00 - is impressive. What a novelty also to wear something that says made in Belgium. I recently compared piece after beautiful piece in the Bergdorf Goodman boutique of Dries that were so well priced in comparison to other fashion on the floor, for the look and tailoring. A certain start up collection of two former child stars drove the point home. I couldn't help but ask myself -wouldn't a woman rather have a suit or dress from Dries Van Noten for the same price or less than from The Row?
For Fall, Dries showcased rich & wearable prints that feel like Far East Chinoiserie meets a medieval Antwerp -shown back to casual sweat shirting. A combination that really shows an understanding of a modern sense of dressing, and a comfort level in dressing that modern woman. His mens collection also hits a high note for Fall 2010. Fashion for the guy who doesn't want to look like he stars in a reality show!
Shop the Dries Van Noten collection now and discover his talent for yourself.