<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="11.832000732421875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="59.666595458984375" x="53.989501953125" y="-262.73388671875" data-test="textbox">Designer </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="11.88299560546875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="98.63400268554688" x="117.10629272460938" y="-262.73388671875" data-test="textbox">Julian Klausner</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="11.88299560546875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="102.97410583496094" x="216.3863983154297" y="-262.73388671875" data-test="textbox">&rsquo;s journey from </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="11.730010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="101.62939453125" x="319.12298583984375" y="-262.73388671875" data-test="textbox">Dries Van Noten sample</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="11.883010864257812" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="233.94895935058594" x="54.12550354003906" y="-246.73399353027344" data-test="textbox"> sale fan to creative director.&nbsp;</text>

PHOTOGRAPHY Zeb Daemen
STYLED BY<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Vincent Van Laeken&nbsp;

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="193.5360107421875" x="671.239990234375" y="-369.5" data-test="textbox">Julian Klausner attended his first Dries Van </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.5059814453125" x="672.219970703125" y="-357.5" data-test="textbox">Noten sample sale when he was a fashion student in</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.420013427734375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="195.04595947265625" x="672.260009765625" y="-345.5" data-test="textbox"> Brussels. &ldquo;I came to Antwerp with a bunch of friends</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="195.01904296875" x="672.25" y="-333.5" data-test="textbox" id="highlight-tooltip-target">; it was like a little field trip,&rdquo; he recalled </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="188.9759521484375" x="672.25" y="-321.5" data-test="textbox">from his office at the Dries Van Noten headquar</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.51904296875" x="672.22998046875" y="-309.5" data-test="textbox">ters this summer. He remembers buying some </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="194.9990234375" x="672.3099975585938" y="-297.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;funky stuff&rdquo; at a reasonable price, plus some </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.6319580078125" x="672.1199951171875" y="-285.5" data-test="textbox">leftover fabric to use for his student collections. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.39794921875" x="672.3900146484375" y="-273.5" data-test="textbox">Little did he know that he would one day return </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="194.85693359375" x="672.4299926757812" y="-261.5" data-test="textbox">as the brand&rsquo;s creative director and successor to </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="76.1259765625" x="672.280029296875" y="-249.5" data-test="textbox">Van Noten himself.</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.4180908203125" x="672.3099975585938" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">Born in Antwerp and raised in Brussels, Klausner, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.87091064453125" x="671.8699951171875" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">who is 34, has a friendly and serene disposition </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.553955078125" x="672.22998046875" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">that conveys both youthfulness and seriousness. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.359130859375" x="672.3499755859375" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">He studied at La Cambre and began his career at </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.64984130859375" x="672.0800170898438" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">Maison Margiela, where he worked under John </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.26806640625" x="672.47998046875" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">Galliano for two years before being called in to </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.48486328125" x="672.260009765625" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">interview for a position at Dries Van Noten in 2018.&nbsp;</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="195.031982421875" x="672.3099975585938" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;It was a bit of a weird moment in fashion,&rdquo; he </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.2889404296875" x="672.4099731445312" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox">said of his start. Alexander McQueen died in </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="188.7449951171875" x="672.030029296875" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">2010, the year after Klausner began his edu</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459999084472656" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.3819580078125" x="672.3699951171875" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">cation. Then, Galliano was suspended from <text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.0819091796875" x="672.47998046875" y="-741.5" data-test="textbox">Christian Dior, Nicolas Ghesqui&egrave;re left Balenciaga, and Alber </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.03887939453125" x="672.4600219726562" y="-729.5" data-test="textbox">Elbaz left Lanvin, all within the span of five years. &ldquo;I imagined </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.3641357421875" x="672.22998046875" y="-717.5" data-test="textbox">that fashion had changed, and that an era had passed,&rdquo; said </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.462890625" x="672.5599975585938" y="-705.5" data-test="textbox">Klausner. But then Galliano made his comeback at Margiela, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.35089111328125" x="672.4299926757812" y="-693.5" data-test="textbox">and Klausner applied for an internship. &ldquo;It was a feast for creativity</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="134.38995361328125" x="672.4299926757812" y="-681.5" data-test="textbox">,&rdquo; he said of the experience.</text></text>

Julian Klausner. Photography by Sarah Piantadosi, courtesy of Dries Van Noten.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.69207763671875" x="672.2899780273438" y="-657.5" data-test="textbox">Dries Van Noten fosters a similarly creative environment that </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.03497314453125" x="671.9000244140625" y="-645.5" data-test="textbox">values beautiful things. However, the workflow is different, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.10308837890625" x="672.4299926757812" y="-633.5" data-test="textbox">and, of course, the brand is based in Antwerp, not Paris. &ldquo;Dries is</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.301025390625" x="672.260009765625" y="-621.5" data-test="textbox"> a much more pragmatic person,&rdquo; said Klausner. &ldquo;At Margiela,&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="241.0931396484375" x="672.22998046875" y="-609.5" data-test="textbox">there were a lot of characters, and quite some, let&rsquo;s say, extrava</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="194.1959228515625" x="672.1400146484375" y="-597.5" data-test="textbox">gance in the atmosphere. Here, it&rsquo;s very focused.&rdquo;</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.4818115234375" x="672.47998046875" y="-573.5" data-test="textbox">On his first day, Klausner was invited to eat lunch with Van </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.29290771484375" x="672.219970703125" y="-561.5" data-test="textbox">Noten. &ldquo;I sat across from him on the terrace upstairs, and I was</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.6710205078125" x="671.8699951171875" y="-549.5" data-test="textbox"> like, whoa,&rdquo; he recalled. &ldquo;It was&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="147.06890869140625" x="671.9000244140625" y="-537.5" data-test="textbox">very casual, and I was immediately a part</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.826904296875" x="672.1400146484375" y="-525.5" data-test="textbox"> of the small team. And I basically&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.54901123046875" x="672.4099731445312" y="-513.5" data-test="textbox">spent every day with Dries for six </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="63.66802978515625" x="671.9299926757812" y="-501.5" data-test="textbox">years after that.&rdquo;</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="143.40899658203125" x="672.2899780273438" y="-477.5" data-test="textbox">During the 2020 pandemic lock</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.61993408203125" x="672.3699951171875" y="-465.5" data-test="textbox">down, Klausner says, he found his </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="147.10491943359375" x="671.9000244140625" y="-453.5" data-test="textbox">voice at the brand as the head of the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.420013427734375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.636962890625" x="671.8699951171875" y="-441.5" data-test="textbox">women&rsquo;s studio. At the time, Van </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="142.737060546875" x="672.219970703125" y="-429.5" data-test="textbox">Noten was optimistic that the pan</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.5970458984375" x="672.3699951171875" y="-417.5" data-test="textbox">demic would present an opportunity </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.720947265625" x="672.25" y="-405.5" data-test="textbox">for the fashion industry to rethink its </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.56402587890625" x="672.4299926757812" y="-393.5" data-test="textbox">approach, and he turned to his team </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="142.42291259765625" x="672.260009765625" y="-381.5" data-test="textbox">internally for direction, offering peo</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.8359375" x="672.1400146484375" y="-369.5" data-test="textbox">ple like Klausner the chance to share </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.3150634765625" x="672.22998046875" y="-357.5" data-test="textbox">their perspectives. &ldquo;I definitely felt </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="143.054931640625" x="672.22998046875" y="-345.5" data-test="textbox">that I had a big role to play in the col</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.89093017578125" x="672.1199951171875" y="-333.5" data-test="textbox">lections and in how they were being </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="103.30499267578125" x="672.1400146484375" y="-321.5" data-test="textbox">presented,&rdquo; Klausner said.&nbsp;</text>

ANNELY: Jacket, pants, and shoes DRIES VAN NOTEN. Photography by Zeb Daemen.

ANNELY: Jacket and headpiece, DRIES VAN NOTEN. Photography by Zeb Daemen.

FROM LEFT—JONAS: Coat, shirt, pants, and shoes DRIES VAN NOTEN ANNELY: Jacket, pants, and shoes DRIES VAN NOTEN. Photography by Zeb Daemen.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.7799072265625" x="672.2000122070312" y="-297.5" data-test="textbox">In March 2024, Van Noten announced his</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459991455078125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.72900390625" x="672.260009765625" y="-285.5" data-test="textbox"> intention to step down. The brand&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.529052734375" x="672.4099731445312" y="-273.5" data-test="textbox">showed a studio collection for the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="246.9061279296875" x="672.6500244140625" y="-261.5" data-test="textbox">Spring 2025 season, and Klausner learned that he&rsquo;d been selected </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.72802734375" x="672.25" y="-249.5" data-test="textbox">for the creative director role shortly after, making his debut at </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.22906494140625" x="672.3099975585938" y="-237.5" data-test="textbox">Paris&rsquo;s Opera Garnier in March during the Fall 2025 women's shows</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.44000244140625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.61712646484375" x="672.4099731445312" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">. To an outside observer, it may have seemed like nothing </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.277099609375" x="672.260009765625" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">had changed; the brand&rsquo;s DNA was still very much intact, with </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7701416015625" x="672.239990234375" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">rich textures, prints, and embroideries. However, Klausner was </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.61175537109375" x="672.4099731445312" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">starting to come out of his shell, incorporating cinched waists </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.51513671875" x="672.4299926757812" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">and some theatrical flair. &ldquo;It was weird&mdash;and it still is, in a way&mdash;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.523193359375" x="672.02001953125" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">because I&rsquo;ve been working here [for so long]; it&rsquo;s the same team,&rdquo; </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.17205810546875" x="672.260009765625" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">he said. &ldquo;So, although the situation is very different on a day-to-</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="217.37005615234375" x="672.3699951171875" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">day basis, it also felt like just making another collection."</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.70001220703125" x="671.8400268554688" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox">When he&rsquo;s back in Antwerp, Klausner sometimes forgets that </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459999084472656" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.3118896484375" x="672.260009765625" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">it&rsquo;s not just another day in the office. The weight of his new </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.78302001953125" x="672.239990234375" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">role hits him hardest when he opens social media after a show. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="241.5579833984375" x="672.3099975585938" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;Although I was working on [the collections] before and look</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.3330078125" x="672.260009765625" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">ing at the reactions, I never thought they were addressed to me,&rdquo; </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.44000244140625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.30499267578125" x="672.260009765625" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">he said. For now, he&rsquo;s ingesting everything. On TikTok, he was </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.821044921875" x="672.1400146484375" y="-45.5" data-test="textbox">pleased to see a girl recreate the cummerbund he designed for </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="110.18798828125" x="672.260009765625" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">his most recent men&rsquo;s show.&nbsp;</text>

Photography by Zeb Daemen.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.550048828125" x="929.47998046875" y="-741.5" data-test="textbox">Of course, Klausner is also getting feedback from Van Noten, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.177001953125" x="928.8699951171875" y="-729.5" data-test="textbox">who attended the show in March, and is always just a phone </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2020263671875" x="929.3699951171875" y="-717.5" data-test="textbox">call away. &ldquo;Whenever I want to show him something, I can, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.08392333984375" x="929.4299926757812" y="-705.5" data-test="textbox">and we pick up on our working relationship super easily,&rdquo; he </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.46002197265625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.59600830078125" x="929.4099731445312" y="-693.5" data-test="textbox">said. The same goes for Van Noten, who might ask Klausner </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3399658203125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.280029296875" x="929.25" y="-681.5" data-test="textbox">for his opinion about the brand&rsquo;s stores or beauty line, which he </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2750244140625" x="929.260009765625" y="-669.5" data-test="textbox">is now focusing on more closely. &ldquo;But, I mean, he&rsquo;s moved on,&rdquo; </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.10797119140625" x="929.5599975585938" y="-657.5" data-test="textbox">Klausner continued. &ldquo;And I think that&rsquo;s how he wanted it to be.&rdquo;</text>
W<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.18109130859375" x="928.8400268554688" y="-633.5" data-test="textbox">hen Klausner and I spoke, it was just a few weeks after his </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.296875" x="929.25" y="-621.5" data-test="textbox">first men&rsquo;s show in Paris, and he was still coming down from the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.41998291015625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.6630859375" x="929.3699951171875" y="-609.5" data-test="textbox">experience. But it was back to work in Antwerp; he was already </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.60308837890625" x="929.4099731445312" y="-597.5" data-test="textbox">starting to think about how to incorporate some elements from </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.3310546875" x="929.22998046875" y="-585.5" data-test="textbox">the men&rsquo;s show into the next women&rsquo;s collection, to be revealed </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.703125" x="929.260009765625" y="-573.5" data-test="textbox">in September. What will be his signatures? His voice? Little by </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="154.9779052734375" x="929.1199951171875" y="-561.5" data-test="textbox">little, he is revealing himself to himself.</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.222900390625" x="1027.33154296875" y="-537.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;I think the guys looked relaxed,&rdquo; he </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.46002197265625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.097900390625" x="1027.4315185546875" y="-525.5" data-test="textbox">said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something that I feel </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.22998046875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.6129150390625" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-513.5" data-test="textbox">excited by. When I look back, what </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.7130126953125" x="1027.221435546875" y="-501.5" data-test="textbox">I like is that there were a lot of rich </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="142.4368896484375" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-489.5" data-test="textbox">elements, and all these formal ingre</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="143.0849609375" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-477.5" data-test="textbox">dients, but in the end, they were infor</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.420013427734375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.60791015625" x="1027.3814697265625" y="-465.5" data-test="textbox">mal in presentation. A friend of mine </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="17.52099609375" x="1027.4315185546875" y="-453.5" data-test="textbox">said, Oh, they look so comfortable. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="6.850006103515625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="103.00390625" x="1049.1015625" y="-453.5" data-test="textbox">And I</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.9468994140625" x="1027.221435546875" y="-441.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;thought that was a really nice idea.&rdquo;</text>

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459991455078125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="147.073974609375" x="1026.9415283203125" y="-417.5" data-test="textbox">The appeal of Dries Van Noten has </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.5709228515625" x="1027.4515380859375" y="-405.5" data-test="textbox">always been its range: In the same </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.14892578125" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-393.5" data-test="textbox">collection, you&rsquo;ll find jersey tank tops </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.531982421875" x="1027.4515380859375" y="-381.5" data-test="textbox">and embroidered evening dresses, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.1290283203125" x="1027.3714599609375" y="-369.5" data-test="textbox">or &ldquo;eye candy,&rdquo; as Klausner calls the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.52294921875" x="1027.04150390625" y="-357.5" data-test="textbox">brand&rsquo;s flashier pieces. In fact, the first </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.717041015625" x="1027.3115234375" y="-345.5" data-test="textbox">Dries piece Klausner ever purchased </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.3798828125" x="1027.6214599609375" y="-333.5" data-test="textbox">(outside of a sample sale) was a pair of </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="149.156982421875" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-321.5" data-test="textbox">chinos&mdash;a straightforward wardrobe </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.555908203125" x="1027.4315185546875" y="-309.5" data-test="textbox">staple that was designed just right. His </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="142.9259033203125" x="1027.271484375" y="-297.5" data-test="textbox">first two collections as creative direc</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.77001953125" x="1027.25146484375" y="-285.5" data-test="textbox">tor embodied this delicate balance of </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="146.617919921875" x="1027.3914794921875" y="-273.5" data-test="textbox">casualness and flair, but his touch was </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.60089111328125" x="929.4298706054688" y="-261.5" data-test="textbox">also evident. Sharp, bateau-neck tops with nipped waists from </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2882080078125" x="929.2298583984375" y="-249.5" data-test="textbox">the men&rsquo;s collection, for example, felt like a fresh, unexpected </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="193.81982421875" x="929.2298583984375" y="-237.5" data-test="textbox">take on elegance. (I would totally wear them, too.)</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.36505126953125" x="929.1998901367188" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">If there&rsquo;s one thing Klausner learned from Van Noten, it&rsquo;s not </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.804931640625" x="929.2298583984375" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">to talk about collections too far in advance, or really at all, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.490966796875" x="929.0198974609375" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">before they hit the runway. In general, though, he&rsquo;s excited </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.60491943359375" x="929.4298706054688" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">about September, which is shaping up to be a more disruptive </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.5968017578125" x="929.35986328125" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">moment for fashion than the one he first encountered as a </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.12689208984375" x="929.4098510742188" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">student. &ldquo;I feel very strongly that we are on the verge of a </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.302001953125" x="929.2398681640625" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">real shift in the industry,&rdquo; said Klausner. Just that morning, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.94696044921875" x="929.0798950195312" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">Meryll Rogge, who overlapped with him during her time at </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.72698974609375" x="929.2898559570312" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox">Dries, was announced as the new creative director of Marni. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.18804931640625" x="929.3098754882812" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;So many of my peers from La Cambre are creative directors </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.156982421875" x="929.389892578125" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">now, and I&rsquo;m really grateful and excited to be a part of this </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.113037109375" x="929.389892578125" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">new wave of, I think, very ambitious designers,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;It </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2821044921875" x="929.2398681640625" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">reminds me of&mdash;or maybe I hope to find&mdash;what I loved so </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.659912109375" x="929.35986328125" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">much about fashion when I was a teenager, which was these </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.89697265625" x="929.2598876953125" y="-45.5" data-test="textbox">houses with such strong identities and surprising shows, seas</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="69.12200927734375" x="929.4098510742188" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">on after season.&rdquo;</text>

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.7750015258789062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="17.57000732421875" x="801.3199462890625" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">MODELS: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="35.34600830078125" x="820.209716796875" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">Annely Bouma </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.529998779296875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="35.2139892578125" x="857.7210083007812" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">ULLA MODELS </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="43.75799560546875" x="894.2545776367188" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">and Jonas Mason </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.529998779296875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="55.40997314453125" x="939.9437255859375" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">SUPA MODEL AGENCY </text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.7750015258789062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="18.29998779296875" x="996.4699096679688" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">CASTING: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.5240020751953125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="28.427978515625" x="1016.209716796875" y="-49.5" data-test="textbox">The Castlog</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.700000762939453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="10.05999755859375" x="808.5958862304688" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">HAIR: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.5240020751953125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="56.32196044921875" x="820.1856079101562" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">Stefan Ralbovsky using </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="55.18798828125" x="878.5344848632812" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">BUMBLE AND BUMBLE </text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.700000762939453" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="17.5799560546875" x="935.7908325195312" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">MAKEUP: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="45.64801025390625" x="954.714599609375" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">Vera Dierckx using </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.529998779296875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="35.7420654296875" x="1002.4195556640625" y="-41.5" data-test="textbox">LESS IS MORE </text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.770000457763672" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="29.33453369140625" x="819.7984619140625" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">PRODUCED BY: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="20.51995849609375" x="850.8611450195312" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">Mindbox </text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.7750015258789062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="36.30999755859375" x="873.36865234375" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">PHOTO ASSISTANT: </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.439998626708984" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="37.87799072265625" x="911.406494140625" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">Nicolas Kengen</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.7750015258789062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="39.6595458984375" x="951.0965576171875" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox"><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="3.7750015258789062" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="36.30999755859375" x="873.36865234375" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">Styling ASSISTANT</text></text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="4.5240020751953125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="34.2659912109375" x="992.2921142578125" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">: Carolina Geck</text>

Fresh Take: Inside Julian Klausner's Rise To The Dries Van Noten Helm

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