Estimated to date from the early 2000s, a four-pocket wool lapel jacket by DRIES VAN NOTEN.
DRIES VAN NOTEN is a luxury brand established in 1986 by designer Dries Van Noten in Antwerp, Belgium.
Dries Van Noten grew up in an environment steeped in fashion, studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and went on to establish his label.
In the late 1980s, six designers collectively presented their collections at The British Designer's Show in London.
The attention they garnered led to Dries Van Noten and his collective members—Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee—becoming known as the Antwerp Six.
During that era, the fashion industry favored a more decorative aesthetic. The brand's collections, distinguished by their vivid colours and patterns, stood as singularly distinctive.
Dries Van Noten has been called "a luxury art object." His work is recognised for a modern yet provocative design sensibility—one grounded in ethnic warmth, reinterpreting Eastern influences through a contemporary lens, and punctuated with sequins and embroidery as studied accents.
Dries Van Noten is regarded as a "designer who fuses fashion and art." His collections possess a deceptive simplicity; beneath lies complexity and beauty. They embody a timeless fashion that remains singular yet endures across seasons.
With his departure in June 2024, the archive pieces he personally designed are destined to attract increasing recognition.
Presented here is a wool jacket from Dries Van Noten, distinguished by its thoughtfully rendered pocket detailing.
Flap pockets positioned at each chest, vertical flap pockets at the hem, and a restrained centre vent at the back—minimal in number yet rich in articulation. The precision of restraint shines through.
The lapel is cut with a slightly generous width, allowing it to rest with balance and refinement when layered over shirts or turtlenecks.
The front closure employs a button-front configuration.
The subtly lustrous buttons provide a measured accent to the restrained design.
The piece is constructed in 100% wool.
Wool is renowned as a natural insulator. Its fibres trap air, delivering exceptional thermal efficiency and warmth through colder seasons.
Moreover, as a notably durable material, wool retains both its aesthetic and functional qualities across years of wear when properly cared for.
The colour is a deep charcoal grey.
Though approaching near-black in depth, it imparts a composure and refined quality—a versatile tone suitable to most situations.
The silhouette builds from a classical tailored jacket foundation, yet adopts a contemporary proportion. The result is a judicious balance between fit and ease.
Worn with jeans or chinos, it reads as casual; paired with tailored trousers, it lends understated elegance. The versatility is considerable—a piece that will naturally expand one's wardrobe and styling possibilities.
It remains unbeholden to trend, adapting equally to casual or formal contexts. A truly versatile piece.
Size labelling is not present. Based on construction, it corresponds approximately to a Japanese size L to XL.
The actual measurements indicate a generous size, suitable for those with larger frames.
In keeping with luxury practice, we recommend wearing it true to size for optimal refinement.
The piece shows marks of use—light soiling, minor pulls—but presents no structural damage that would compromise wear. It remains entirely wearable.
DRIES VAN NOTEN—a brand called "a luxury art object."
A singular luxury house that continues to synthesise disparate cultures, tastes, and eras into each season. We invite you to experience it firsthand.
Pieces of this calibre arrive at the shop only rarely. If you have been seeking such a piece, this presents an opportunity.
