Julian Klausner

Psychedelic Chic. Dries Van Noten SS26

| Design & Culture by Ed

The Dries Van Noten collection is one I suspect I’ll appreciate more once it arrives in stores. Julian Klausner’s second outing for Papa’s brand was overall good, but somewhat… unresolved. He aimed to make the line-up feel joyful, easy, and optimistic – and he succeeded in that regard. To achieve it, he turned to surfing as his theme. “Being around surfers is always a good time,” the designer mused. A slouchy men’s jacket paired with red floral bermudas channeled a surf-chic spirit, as did the psychedelic prints – just as brilliant as those from Dries’ archives. And yet, despite the abundance of looks and myriad styling options, the collection still left me wanting something more.

ED’s SELECTION:

Dries Van Noten Gathered Satin-jersey Maxi Skirt


Dries Van Noten Cropped Crepe Blazer



Dries Van Noten Belted Intarsia Wool-blend Cardigan


Dries Van Noten Leather-trimmed Shell Sneakers

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Taking Notes. Dries Van Noten SS26

| Design & Culture by Ed

At Dries Van Noten, Julian Klausner delivered a triumphant menswear debut – one so true to the brand that you can barely notice Papa Dries’ absence (he’s quietly consulting the new creative director in-between other personal projects – like renovating a palazzo in Venice).

What resonated most in Klausner’s spring-summer 2026 attempt is the actual joy of dressing up – or rather, not fearing to experiment with clothes. At first nothing seems to match in this collection, but then you see the beautiful method behind all that madness. A gorgeously tailored jacket worn with a floral sarong? Yes. Oversized grey sweatshirt topped with a handsome, embellished cummerbund? Yes. A cropped jacket in red roses styled with electric-blue biker shorts? Hell yes!

This outing offers not just great clothes, but absolutely inspiring solutions that will pimp up your summer wardrobe. I’m taking notes.

ED’s SELECTION:

Dries Van Noten Floral-print Silk-voile Shirt


Dries Van Noten Grosgrain-trimmed Floral-print Silk-voile Wide-leg Pants


Dries Van Noten Oversized Double-breasted Linen, Wool, Silk And Cashmere-blend Blazer


Dries Van Noten Belted Double-breasted Crinkled-organza Trench Coat


Dries Van Noten Suede and Leather Trainer Sneakers

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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The Ethos. Dries Van Noten AW25

| Design & Culture by Ed

Julian Klausner‘s debut runway collection for Dries Van Noten felt familiar – in a good way. It largely did feel like a Dries collection, maybe except for the tasseled jacket and evening dress near the show’s finale. The meaty, chunky knits, beautifully layered tailoring and omnipresent play with sumptuous textures made this line-up feel like an ode to the founder of the brand – and his very, very loyal clients who went through a spiritual crisis once the designer announced his departure. Klausner isn’t planning to erase the Dries Van Noten ethos, but prolong it. The broad-shouldered coat in transfixing cardinal purple or the stunning, fluid-like dress with a green velvet bow at the neck are the best proves for his great intentions.

ED’s SELECTION:

Dries Van Noten Paneled Metallic Crinkled-leather Sneakers


Dries Van Noten Checked Woven Maxi Dress


Dries Van Noten Double-breasted Snake-print Woven Blazer


Dries Van Noten Pleated Printed Matte-satin Midi Skirt


Dries Van Noten Gold-tone Multi-stone Cuff


Dries Van Noten Faux Shearling Shoulder Bag

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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New Age. Dries Van Noten AW25

| Design & Culture by Ed

The new age has begun at Dries Van Noten under Julian Klausner‘s creative direction. One good thing: his debut menswear collection doesn’t feel as plain as the studio-designed womenswear we’ve seen back in September.

But his autumn-winter 2025 confusingly feels like a collection that could come from another Antwerp-originating brand: Maison Margiela (seen through John Galliano lens) or Ann Demeulemeester (black coat cinched at waist with thin string-belt and black feathers). The Willy Vanderperre-shot lookbook gives yet another Belgian designer’s distinct vibe: Raf Simons.

I hope that in the proper runway debut come March, Klausner will somehow show us what Dries Van Noten means without Dries. This outing doesn’t say much.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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