People get this very romantic vision of a fashion designer who in

"People get this very romantic vision of a fashion designer who in one night makes 25 sketches and in the morning throws them on the table and there are a lot of women in white aprons with the pins on the lapel and they start to grab the sketches and... It's not like that." With these words, Dries van Noten cuts through the illusion surrounding the work of a fashion designer. There is a romanticized image that we often hold of the artist's creative process—an image of spontaneous inspiration, where brilliance flows effortlessly from the mind to the page, and from the page to the runway. However, van Noten reveals a deeper truth, one grounded in reality, where the process of creation is far less glamorous and far more demanding than the world often perceives.

In ancient times, the romantic vision of an artist was not unfamiliar. The Greek poet Homer, for example, was revered as a figure who was believed to have composed his epic works—the Iliad and the Odyssey—with divine inspiration. It was said that the gods themselves guided his hand, and his verses flowed effortlessly from his lips. However, historians know that the true process of creating such masterpieces would have involved great work and reflection, with the poet drawing on centuries of oral tradition, revising and perfecting his craft over time. The image of the artist as effortlessly inspired is a myth that has persisted through history, but one that does not fully capture the complexity and discipline required to create something of lasting value.

Similarly, in the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were often seen as figures of genius, producing their works almost as if touched by the hand of God. However, the truth was far more grounded. Da Vinci worked for months—often years—on his paintings, constantly studying, experimenting, and revising his ideas. The Mona Lisa and the Last Supper were not born in a single moment of divine inspiration, but through a dedicated process of trial and error, with each brushstroke carefully crafted and each idea thoughtfully considered. Van Noten's words remind us that the romantic vision of artistic creation rarely reflects the grit and dedication required behind the scenes.

Fashion design, like any art, requires labor and discipline, not mere flashes of inspiration. It is easy to imagine a designer effortlessly sketching their ideas, surrounded by assistants eager to make their visions come to life, but the reality is much more structured. The process of designing is often filled with setbacks, revisions, and endless hours of work. Van Noten’s rejection of the romanticized narrative is a call for recognition of the hard work that underpins the seemingly effortless final products. Fashion, like all forms of art, requires deep commitment, constant reflection, and collaboration with others. It is not a solitary pursuit, but a communal effort that takes time, patience, and focus.

Consider the example of Coco Chanel, who revolutionized fashion with her creation of the little black dress and her approach to women’s fashion. While Chanel’s designs are often seen as iconic, her creative process was anything but romantic. She worked tirelessly, often revising her designs multiple times before they reached perfection. Chanel was known for her relentless focus on practicality and function, not just beauty. She understood that true innovation comes from a combination of vision and hard work—from seeing a new possibility and then working tirelessly to bring it into reality. Her success was not born of a single, magical moment but from years of dedication and commitment to her craft.

The lesson here is clear: the path to creation—whether in fashion, art, or any endeavor—is not a straight line of inspiration. It is often filled with setbacks, hard work, and dedication. The romantic vision of the artist as a genius touched by inspiration may make for a compelling story, but it is the behind-the-scenes grind, the constant effort to improve, that ultimately leads to true mastery. In our own lives, we must recognize that the work required to achieve greatness is often invisible to the outside world. It is easy to focus only on the finished product—the painting, the design, the performance—but true mastery comes from the countless hours of work and reflection that precede it.

As we move forward in our own journeys, let us embrace the discipline and patience required to reach our goals. Whether in our careers, our relationships, or our personal growth, we must resist the temptation to romanticize success and instead commit to the effort that success requires. Just as Dries van Noten rejects the notion of effortless creativity, let us recognize that the pursuit of excellence is a process, one that requires both inspiration and hard work. In doing so, we honor the true nature of creation—one that is grounded in reality, dedication, and collaboration.