Julian Klausner
Creative director of Dries Van Noten
Julian Klausner is the creative director of Dries Van Noten, appointed in December 2024 after the Belgian founder stepped back from design. A graduate of La Cambre in Brussels, he had worked closely with Dries Van Noten on the women's collections for several years before taking charge of the house.
| Role | Creative director, Dries Van Noten |
|---|---|
| Appointed | December 2024 |
| Debut | Autumn and winter 2025, Paris, March 2025 |
| Education | La Cambre, Brussels, 2016 |
| Predecessor | Dries Van Noten |
Who is Julian Klausner?
Julian Klausner is the creative director of Dries Van Noten, the Antwerp fashion house founded by the Belgian designer of the same name. His appointment was announced on 9 December 2024, after Dries Van Noten retired from leading the house he had run for more than three decades.
Career
Klausner graduated from La Cambre, the Brussels art and design school, in 2016. During his studies he interned at Thom Browne, Kenzo and Maison Margiela. He then joined Dries Van Noten and worked on the brand's womenswear, collaborating closely with the founder on the women's collections for several years.
On his appointment he said: "I am beyond excited to lead the coming seasons as we begin this new chapter for the house. The unparalleled legacy that Dries leaves behind is monumental, a never-ending source of inspiration."
Klausner presented his first collection, for autumn and winter 2025, on 5 March 2025 at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, balancing references such as 1930s tailoring and Art Deco with the house's signature layering. He oversees both the women's and men's collections and presented spring and summer 2026 collections for both in 2025.
Influence on the fashion business
Klausner's appointment is a notable example of internal succession at a founder led house. Dries Van Noten is part of the Spanish group Puig, and the choice of a designer trained within the studio reflects several industry trends:
- Founders planning their own succession while still involved
- Promoting from within to protect a house's codes and client base
- Continuity of a strong print and colour identity
- Careful evolution rather than radical rebranding
The Spring 2026 women's show was attended by Puig chief executive Marc Puig and Dries Van Noten chief executive Axel Keller, underlining the importance of the transition for the group. Klausner has spoken of wanting collections that feel hopeful, joyful and optimistic, while drawing on the house's archive of prints, colour and layered silhouettes.
Why it matters
The transition from a founder to a successor is one of the most difficult moments for any fashion brand. Klausner's tenure is closely followed as a case study in how an independent minded house, now within a larger group, can maintain its identity and loyal wholesale and retail customers after its founder steps away.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the creative director of Dries Van Noten?
Julian Klausner has been creative director of Dries Van Noten since December 2024. He succeeded the house's founder, who retired after more than three decades at the helm.
Who is Julian Klausner?
Julian Klausner is a designer who graduated from La Cambre in Brussels and worked on Dries Van Noten's women's collections for several years before being named creative director. He presented his first collection in Paris in March 2025.