Dries Van Noten unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection at Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant chapter under new creative director Julian Klausner. The collection opens with the metaphor of boarding a train bound for the city—a moment that captures the emotion of stepping outside familiar ground for the first time, where excitement and awkwardness coexist in the threshold of growth.
Rather than constructing grand narratives, Klausner expresses this sentiment through fragments of memory accumulated in a personal wardrobe. A father's inherited coat, a mother's floral patterns, a sibling's scarf, and a worn school jacket layer together naturally within one individual's style. The way garments from different sources and time periods weave into a singular identity continues Dries Van Noten's signature sensitivity and emotional depth.
At the heart of the collection are soft knitwear, practical parkas, and outerwear that feels lived-in. These pieces function not merely as styling elements but as symbols of roots and comfort. Ornate collars with bold patterns, color-blocked knits, and a warm palette of browns and burgundies evoke nostalgia while maintaining contemporary relevance. Striped sweaters and tailored coats with decorative details create a visual dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Through this collection, Julian Klausner proposes an attitude that moves forward while holding onto what is familiar, rather than loudly proclaiming novelty. It is an approach that honors the values Dries Van Noten has always protected—personal stories, emotions, memories—while opening a new chapter. The collection quietly reminds us that growth is not about abandoning the past, but about carrying it forward as we walk into the future.
Rather than constructing grand narratives, Klausner expresses this sentiment through fragments of memory accumulated in a personal wardrobe. A father's inherited coat, a mother's floral patterns, a sibling's scarf, and a worn school jacket layer together naturally within one individual's style. The way garments from different sources and time periods weave into a singular identity continues Dries Van Noten's signature sensitivity and emotional depth.
At the heart of the collection are soft knitwear, practical parkas, and outerwear that feels lived-in. These pieces function not merely as styling elements but as symbols of roots and comfort. Ornate collars with bold patterns, color-blocked knits, and a warm palette of browns and burgundies evoke nostalgia while maintaining contemporary relevance. Striped sweaters and tailored coats with decorative details create a visual dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Through this collection, Julian Klausner proposes an attitude that moves forward while holding onto what is familiar, rather than loudly proclaiming novelty. It is an approach that honors the values Dries Van Noten has always protected—personal stories, emotions, memories—while opening a new chapter. The collection quietly reminds us that growth is not about abandoning the past, but about carrying it forward as we walk into the future.
FAQ
Who is the creative director of the Dries Van Noten FW26 collection?
The creative director of Dries Van Noten's Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection is Julian Klausner. This season, he continued the brand's identity by layering fragments of familiarity and memory under the theme of 'new beginnings.'
What's the main theme of the Dries Van Noten 2026 Fall collection?
The main theme is 'new beginnings and growth.' Like boarding a train to the city, it expresses youthful emotions of leaving the familiar world through memory fragments like father's coat and mother's florals.
What items stand out in the Dries Van Noten FW26 collection?
Cozy knitwear, practical parkas, and worn-looking outerwear take center stage. Featuring vibrant patterned collar details, color-blocking knits, and warm brown and burgundy palettes, they function as symbols of roots and comfort.
