Iris van Herpen is currently regarded as one of the most important contemporary haute couture designers. In her creative work, she combines craftsmanship with technology. With her conceptual approach, van Herpen creates progressive and experimental haute couture creations.
origins
After graduating from ArtEZ University in Amsterdam in 2006, van Herpen founded her eponymous label. In the founding year 2007 she already showed her first creations during the Amsterdam Fashion Week.
development
Since her first collection, Iris van Herpen has promoted a new take on haute couture, in which technology and craftsmanship come together to create a larger, meaningful concept. Her designs, which often resemble sculptures, are strongly inspired by movement sequences – not least van Herpen’s own experiences with dance as a form of expression are reflected in the designs. Due to the intricate nature of her creations, van Herpen mainly designs and creates for private clients. In 2013 she showed her first ready-to-wear collection.
In recent years, the designer has often shown lavish collections that pay tribute to nature, the organisms of the earth and the works of other artists. These collections are made possible through collaboration with specialists and thorough scientific research. The knowledge developed in the process is visualized by van Herpen. In her collections she has processed the aerodynamics of bird wings, the shape of water, the kinetic movement of the wind, celestial cartography and numerous other themes.
Current
Iris van Herpen has long since outgrown national recognition and is valued internationally for her progressive approach to haute couture. Her designs are frequently worn by public figures such as actresses and singers at special events such as the MET Gala and awards ceremonies, as well as in film productions and music videos