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Adorning celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman and Tilda Swinton, among others, Iris Van Herpen established herself as a luminary in the realm of fashion design. Her exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris has drawn visitors from around the globe and is scheduled to run until April 28. Visitors are transported into a realm that is as enigmatic as it is enthralling.
Born in 1984, Iris Van Herpen emerges as a visionary designer whose creations are inspired by nature, human experiences and classical dance. Her work interrogates the role of humanity within the cosmos, delving into the interplay between our natural surroundings and human nature. Iris Van Herpen transcends aesthetic conventions, probing the depths of existence by intertwining elements of science, philosophy and the arts in her designs. Her creations, akin to textile sculptures, are displayed in an immersive environment where music, color and material blend, evoking existential queries and introspection.
Iris Van Herpen’s deep appreciation for natural forms catalyzed her exploration of morphogenesis and the seminal forces that animate life’s genesis. The minuscule and microscopic unveiled themselves as a testament to the elegance of hidden faunas, guiding her toward an innovative aesthetic lexicon and materials that transcend conventional fashion paradigms. In this context, she exhibits a keen interest in the work of biologist Ernst Haeckel, whose 19th-century illustrative plates illuminate the intricacies of microscopic organisms. Bridging the realms of art and science, the designer delves into both terrestrial and aquatic environments in pursuit of novel structures and textures. Her commitment to environmental conservation prompts a reevaluation of our global perception, notably through her Earthrise collection, conceived in collaboration with artist Rogan Brown. This collection is distinguished by its emphasis on elevating recycled plastic, showcasing Van Herpen’s dedication to merging aesthetic innovation with ecological mindfulness.
The soundscape, crafted by Salvador Breed, plays a pivotal role in the exhibition, enhancing the visitor experience by adding depth and a mystical dimension to Iris Van Herpen’s work. Every facet of the exhibition is meticulously conceived to imbue her creations with meaning, inviting attendees on a journey to the core of the universe, from the molecular to the mythological, drawing significantly on Japanese culture.
A graduate of the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts and a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Iris Van Herpen combines innovative techniques with a return to elemental inspirations in her creative process. She explores themes such as water, crystallization, harmony, chaos, ecosystems, believing in the transformative power of forms. Her exploration blurs the lines between the animate and inanimate, complex anatomical structures and bodily extensions, imbuing each piece with significance. This exhibition serves as a meditation on society through the lens of nature, a cosmic journey where mythology and legend intertwine in a universe that is both diverse and unified.
Instagram: @mariechristine.tayah
