1998 Silk/Cotton Oversized Sweater
Size M (oversized): Best for any size between an IT 46 - 36 Chest - S and an IT 52 - 42 Chest - L.
Dries van Noten oversized sweater from S/S 1998. In excellent used condition. Made in Belgium.
Dries van Noten menswear from the 1990s is incredibly hard to find, due to the line's limited circulation in less than ten stores worldwide. Despite its age, this sweater exhibits many of the details that have made Dries menswear consistently covetable among a diverse and discerning clientele: subtle manipulations of texture and colour, an elegant and nonchalant cut and a high quality construction and fabrication. Oversized knits are are a van Noten signature, and have been featured in most of his runways for both men and women since the 1980s. The runway photo shows the same jumper (identical details and cut) in a different type of knit.
The sweater is made from a beautiful 49% silk/51% cotton yarn with a brushed, slubby texture and subtle variations in colour. The silk content gives it an almost unnoticeable sheen under the light. The cut is extremely elongated and oversized with a wide crew neck, dropped shoulders and an extra long body and sleeves. As shown in the runway photo, the jumper drapes wonderfully in movement for a look that is avant-garde as much as it is cosy and intimate. The pattern of the jumper is completely irregular, beginning with an off-white/beige hue with narrow stripes and ending in thick dark brown stripes with dashes of green and grey. The sleeves feature the same pattern, however the cuffs are done in a slightly contrasting plum, purple and green hue (a very subtle detail that is characteristically Dries). The quality of the jumper is excellent: the neck ribbing appears to have been knit by hand. Subtle changes in knitting technique appear around the neck and sleeves, demonstrating the designer's attention to detail.
Overall, this rare vintage piece demonstrates that Dries van Noten's work from over a decade ago is as beautiful and relevant today as it was when designed. With its carefully oversized cut, elegant fabric and tremendous attention to detail, this knit will be a unique addition to any wardrobe.