Dries Van Noten: Merging The Classic and The Contemporary
By Michelle Taylor

PARIS, Jan 26, 2004/ FW/ --- With over ten years experience on the Parisian catwalks, Dutchman Dries Van Noten continues to fuse elements together, harmoniously merging the classic and the contemporary.

Noble, his new romantic heroes in capes, conjuring up memoirs of far away and distant times. A reflective and stylish autumn winter 2004/05 menswear collection.

The flat front pants that are held up with braces and pulled in at the ankle through the use of buttons and horizontal panels applied to the shin are poetic, yet Van Noten is able to make even these traditional cuts sportive as he puts them together with t-shirts, striped knitwear and oversized sweaters.

Decorative appliqué is original on jackets and waistcoats giving the chest and neckline a majestic air, often asymmetrically styled and layered under and over larger jackets and shirts.

Lapels on jackets are also given importance by using different fabric inserts and coloured linings.

Parka’s are zipped, fur lined and patterned with traditional check ala English countryside, offering an alternative to the classic monotone downs that have become a must over the past few winter seasons.

The casual and worn-out appearance through non-ironed material and unfinished edging only aids in the mixture that Dries Van Noten seeks rather than taking away, in a case of the artist meets the revolution.

The sober palette of kaki’s, greys, black, browns and blues is brightened up through merrily patterned knitwear and black and white geometrical checks on jackets and pants.

His fabric choice is one of traditional men’s old time luxuries, from wool and cashmere to felt and velvet.

Utopian in his look, the Van Noten man is proud and regal, yet perfectly in touch with his modern urban surroundings, slipping stylishly from his dual roles of work and play.

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten