After stepping back from his namesake brand, Dries Van Noten has opened a foundation in a Venetian palazzo dedicated to craft, beauty, and the things made by hand and soul. BoF's Tim Blanks speaks with the designer about why, in ugly times, making something beautiful is the only real form of protest.

© Fe Pinheiro

There is no such thing as retirement for the Belgian designer. With his new Venice foundation, he’s blossoming professionally and personally under the influence of La Serenissima.

© Camilla Glorioso