Dreaming of dries

MANILA, Philippines - The Dries Van Noten exhibit “Inspirations” transports, educates and leaves nothing to chance. A very small part of the substantial exhibit mentions Jane Campion’s film The Piano, a visually and otherwise poetic tale of a mute piano player; other influences among hundreds include Luchino Visconti, Damien Hirst, Elizabeth Peyton, Maggie Rouf, Jimi Hendrix, Patrick de Barentzen and Mark Rothko. Paintings in Van Noten’s universe of inspirations are borrowed from Europe’s finest museums; Prelle covers walls. The 15th century, around the globe and back to Belgium; world-renowned greats and Van Noten’s greats are combined in a rich melange of fashion and art.

Yet the glass-encapsulated worlds which contain some of the best fashion in three decades — Van Noten’s — remain unarrogant. Inspirations take center stage to the brand’s stage right. Van Noten, is consistently elegant, intelligent and abundant with art and history. His fashion certainly is. The fashion is a backdrop to the art it is inspired by, with an astounding presence that creates something all its own.

“Dries Van Noten: Inspirations” runs until Nov. 2 at Les Arts Décoratifs 107, Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris.