Dutch designer Iris van Herpen admits to being inspired by fossils, architecture, and nature for her futuristic designs. A CNN article reveals the designer’s methods and creative process plus insight into her exhibition in Paris “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses”, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
“It’s beautiful to discover the bone structures of animals that are extinct, and to look at the differences and similarities to our own internal spine structure,” said van Harpen via CNN, “Being able to move back millions of years and also imagining a spine structure a million years from now… It’s a timeless source of inspiration.”
The designer has made garments for numerous celebrities; including model Winnie Harlow, as well as singers Teyana Taylor, Dove Cameron, Lady Gaga, and Jenifer López. She is known for using materials such as Borosilicate glass, mylar film, polyurethane, glass organza, polyamide powder, and thermo-plaster polymers in her elaborate designs. Iris had her start at Alexander McQueen, but at age 23 van Herpen launched her label carrying her name in 2007. Among her methods for confection are: 3D printing garments, laser cutting, and blown glass.
“I knew I wanted this to be more than a fashion exhibition. I wanted this retrospective to represent all the layers of life that I’m influenced by; dance, art, science, architecture, nature, philosophy,” she said the following via CNN about her exhibition in Paris, which features over 100 pieces.
It is inspiring to see how nature continues to drive innovation even within our most basic needs, including the clothes we wear, we wish Iris much success in all her endeavors.
