In honour of the inimitable label's 99th show, Dries Van Noten revisit their heritage for the AW17 collection.
Bandana Canvas Military Jacket | Hogue Floral Tee | Priddy Slim Canvas Pant | Check Tote Bag
Following the 2014 retirement of Ann Demeulemeester, and the 2015 rebranding of Maison Margiela under new creative direction from John Galliano, Dries Van Noten represents one of the last members of the iconic ‘Antwerp Six’ still in independent operation.
More than 30 years after the Belgian collective first brought their disruptive vision to the London Collections in 1986, Dries Van Noten’s AW17 menswear collection marked the label's 99<sup>th</sup> runway presentation, and in honour of the occasion Dries Van Noten synthesised a controlled and considered distillation of his contribution to global menswear thus far.
The collection offered a strong retrospective into the deft detail and eccentric elements that quickly became synonymous with the Dries Van Noten name, expertly counterbalanced with flashes of what’s next for the label and their inimitable diffusion of avant-garde sensibility to market ready menswear product.
Contemporary twists on classic styles can be seen in the raglan sleeve details, offering a casual edge to their premium woollen Faire Isle Knits. Dries Van Noten are well known for their iteration of crafting contemporary garments from the finest heritage cloth, hailing from Scotland and the English West Country – a series of important partnerships currently under threat as traditional mills fight for survival in an increasingly global textile market where cost and celerity reign King over quality and technique.
Taco Fair Isle Crew Knit | Priddy Slim Pant | Chelsea Boot Cognac
The AW17 footwear offering includes an update to the iconic Chelsea silhouette, cut a touch higher on the ankle in a supple cognac suede and complemented with a new crepe sole in favour of traditional leather for a contemporary twist on this sartorial essential. The ideal transitionary footwear choice, epitomising Dries Van Noten’s position as a purveyor of the finest, durable menswear items.
For their 2017 interpretation of the ever-popular tote, Dries Van Noten delivered a luxe take on the haulage essential which comes constructed from wool, cotton, and leather - finished with premium horse-hair tassels.
Experiment with mixed-prints by combining this next-gen tote bag with one of the label’s ornate botanical t-shirts.
Cobain Insert Check Shirt | Hogue Classic Tee | Pender Slim Jean
Perhaps the secret to the label’s continued success, this season's timeless essentials come in the form of the classic Hogue Tees, Check Shirts and Bandana Canvas Military Jackets – key pieces which stand the test of time and trend in the modern gent’s wardrobe, capable of effortlessly elevating even the simplest of outfits.
Continuing the label's legacy as a go-to for luxury menswear essentials with a forward thinking twist, Dries Van Noten's centenary year heralds the dawn of a new era for the Belgian house.
Dries Van Noten Autumn/Winter 2017 is available now to shop at END.