Anyone fortunate enough to experience the unconventional designs of Dutch fashion maven Iris van Herpen would undoubtedly be captivated by her distinctive vision. Particularly noteworthy is her talent for pushing the limits of fashion, seamlessly blending technology and craftsmanship to produce garments that are not just visually stunning but also conceptually profound.
Her unique contributions to haute couture have sparked conversations about the trajectory of the fashion industry. The ongoing retrospective exhibition of her extensive portfolio presented at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, situated adjacent to the Louvre, provides visitors with the opportunity to closely admire her profound creativity. It showcases her exceptional ability to manipulate materials and innovate, offering surprises at every turn.
Titled "Sculpting the Senses," this visually striking exhibition, running until April 28th, 2024, showcases intricate patterns, complex structures, and a fluidity challenging traditional garment construction.
Curated by Chloe Pitiot and Louise Curtis, the exhibition serves as a dialogue between artistic and scientific inspiration. It offers an immersive experience constructed around nine themes that blend fashion, contemporary art, design, and science, examining the body in space and celebrating Iris van Herpen's forward-thinking and multi-disciplinary approach.
What adds to the show's allure is the strategic juxtaposition of Iris's creations with those of collaborating artists, such as Rogan Brown and David Spriggs. This not only highlights the role of technology in design but also explores the intersection of art and apparel, providing visitors with a compelling perspective on creativity.
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| Iris van Herpen is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion with her unique and experimental designs. At times her designs seem to come alive, mimicking sea life. |
Born in 1984, in Wamel, Netherlands, Iris van Herpen founded her eponymous fashion label in 2007, and has rapidly gained international recognition as a "Cutting Edge designer" in the world of haute couture. She became particularly well-known for her ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies, such as 3D printing and laser cutting.
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| Ceres - Paper cut by hand and laser, cardboard, foam board. Artist: Rogan Brown - UK - circa 2023. |
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| Iris van Herpen's is accompanied by Good Vibrations Cabinet in walnut with oak finishes, sculpted, chiseled and engraved using digital processes, by Ferruccio Laviani of Italy for Fratelli Boffi, circa 2013 |
Trained initially as a dancer before venturing into fashion, her creations reveal a natural comprehension of body movement. Regarded as an inventive force, she frequently collaborates with artists, architects, engineers, and scientists, seamlessly integrating innovative materials and techniques into her designs. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as the laboratories of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and NASA, she crafts "wildly original experimental collections."
Notable themes of the exhibition include water, sensory sea life, forces behind forms and skeletal embodiment, as well as nature and the cosmic universe.
Accessories are presented in a cabinet-of-curiosities style, complemented by videos showcasing her fashion shows and captivating videos from various artists, creating an enriched and immersive experience.
Enhanced by a bespoke sound composition crafted by Salvador Breed, visitors are deeply immersed in an extraordinary exhibition spotlighting the designer's creativity shaped by two early-life passions: the living world and classical dance. These two influences stand as pivotal elements in Iris van Herpen's work, transcending conventional fashion norms by seamlessly merging traditional and innovative techniques.
All photos by Lucia Carpio
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