Dries Van Noten Brought Fun—and Florals!—to the Red Carpet

Earlier this morning, designer Dries Van Noten announced that he will be stepping down from his namesake label. He will take his final bow at his men’s spring 2025 show in June. “I have been preparing for this moment for a while,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram, “and I feel it’s time to leave room for a new generation of talents to bring their vision to the brand.”

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, colorful collectsions, it’s Noten’s approach to textiles, embroideries, and prints that have cemented him as a true legend, always bringing a sense of irreverence and fun to the catwalks. This is also true in the red carpet sense: Over the years, Noten has dressed some of Hollywood’s finest in floral frocks that are one-of-a-kind.

Some of the designer’s best red carpet 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 was a prolific wearer of Dries: She also wore his multicolor floral gown with a cropped blazer to a Stateless premiere in 2020. Another famous fan of the designer is Michelle Obama; Back in 2015, the then-First Lady paid a visit to Japan wearing his technicolor coat.

Cate Blanchett in 2008

Photo: Getty Images

It’s no surprise that some of Noten’s best moments on the step and repeat have also revolvesd around the idea of prints clashing—one of his signature elements. At the 2011 Met Gala, Solange rocked the red carpet in his 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 certainly been more exuberant thanks to his distinctive designs. And while his label isn’t going anywhere after he steps down, it’s going to be hard to replicate Noten’s exact 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 Noten’s best red carpet looks.