Dries Van Noten Brought Fun – And Florals! – To The Red Carpet

“I have been preparing for this moment for a while,” Dries Van Noten said of his decision to step down from his namesake label after his final bow at the Paris Fashion Week men’s spring/summer 2025 show. “I feel it’s time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand.”

Van Noten – a Belgian designer who is one of the legendary Antwerp six, alongside Ann Demeulemeester and Walter Van Beirendonck – has certainly left his stamp on the fashion world. Known for his sprightly, colourful collections, it’s Van Noten’s approach to textiles, embroideries and prints that has cemented him as a true legend, always bringing a sense of irreverence and fun to the catwalk. This is also true of his red-carpet presence. Over the years, Van Noten has dressed some of Hollywood’s finest in floral frocks that are one of a kind.

Some of the designer’s best hits? Back in 2008, Cate Blanchett attended the Oscars in one of his embroidered satin gowns – delivering a striking maternity moment in the process. The actor is a prolific wearer of Dries, having also worn a multicolour floral gown with a cropped blazer to a Stateless premiere in 2020. Another famous fan of the designer is Michelle Obama, who, back in 2015, paid a visit to Japan wearing a technicolour coat of his own making.

It’s no surprise that some of Van Noten’s best moments on the step and repeat have also revolved around the idea of prints clashing – one of his most enduring fascinations. At the 2011 Met Gala, Solange took to the red carpet in a sleeveless gown covered in mixed geometric patterns. Last year, Hong Chau attended an Oscars luncheon in a tunic top slashed with two different floral prints.

Throughout the years, Hollywood dressing has become all the more exuberant, thanks to his distinctive designs. And while his label isn’t going anywhere after he steps down, it’s going to be difficult to replicate Van Noten’s magic. In a sea of black gowns, he’s chosen to put forward garments that deliberately stand out, and for that, we will always love him.

Below, more of Van Noten’s best red-carpet looks.