“We have lost our sense of fashion by only thinking about raising money”

One of the most prestigious names in fashion, Dries Van Noten, is leaving the industry and the brand he founded thirty-eight years ago. Sophie Fontanel asked him what he wanted to convey when he turned the page.

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Dries, although Dutch-speaking, speaks wonderful French. But, as soon as our exchange began, he clarified: “I would prefer to express myself in English. My French, of course, is fine. But, to make small nuances…” I understood that this exchange would have nuances. I asked Dries what his state of mind was when he left his company. He has answered : “I want to be honest. » Was silent for a few seconds, and added: “It’s up and down. » He said that sometimes he would startle and shiver, thinking: “Oh my God, what have I done? ! It’s much too early to leave…” And he said that at other times he felt immense euphoria. That he was happy to leave the pressure he was putting on himself. To let go of the anger that seizes him when he can’t find the perfect combination of shape or color. To leave the obsession: “All love is an obsession, you know that well. » And then, a lower tone: “I chose to leave. »

Dries is 66 years old. He told me that as he approached sixty, he began to formulate this strange concept: ” The rest of my life. » He established that having put in place a consistent ” expertise “ he could leave the house keys with someone else. He spoke of his fashion house like a child who could finally stand on his own two feet.

Dries told me how decisive Covid had been: “It forced me to find another lan…