Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses

Fashion is an instrument for change, and Iris van Herpen's Sculpting the Senses exhibition explores her forward-looking vision of fashion on a deeper level, challenging our vision of Haute Couture. It immerses visitors in her sensory universe and unites fashion, contemporary art, design, and science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lannoo Publishers

Fashion is a powerful tool for emotional transformation, allowing us to shift our perspectives and embrace new ways of expressing ourselves. By drawing inspiration from the natural world, I delve into the forces that shape the forms found in nature, uncovering the intricate patterns and cyclical rhythms that serve as my guiding compass in exploring the realm of femininity. Through biomimicry, I aim to create a more conscious and sustainable fashion future that resonates with our deepest values and respects the delicate balance of our planet.

In her remarkable journey as a fashion designer, Iris van Herpen has consistently pushed the boundaries of Haute Couture. Through the lens of Sculpting the Senses, this exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of her work over the past 16 years. It not only showcases her most iconic designs but also delves into her forward-thinking vision of fashion, challenging our preconceived notions and expanding our horizons.

The exhibition is structured around 100 dresses, each representing a unique facet of Van Herpen's artistic expression. These garments serve as a testament to her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, showcasing her ability to blend fashion, contemporary art, design, and science seamlessly.

Sculpting the Senses takes viewers on a sensory journey, immersing them in Van Herpen's imaginative universe. The exhibition unfolds through nine thematic chapters, each representing a fundamental aspect of her work. These themes, such as "Transformation," "Sensuality," "Nature," "Technology," "Future," "Mystery," "Dreams," and "Contemporary Art," come together to form the essence of Van Herpen's artistic vision.

Through her designs, Van Herpen invites us to explore new dimensions of femininity and challenge our perceptions of beauty. She employs biomimicry, a technique that draws inspiration from nature, to create garments that mimic the intricate structures and patterns found in the natural world. By doing so, she fosters a deeper connection between humans and the environment, promoting a sense of mindfulness and sustainability.

One of the key themes of Sculpting the Senses is the concept of transformation. Van Herpen's designs often feature intricate cutouts, draperies, and embellishments that evoke a sense of movement and fluidity. She explores the idea of femininity as a fluid and ever-changing entity, challenging traditional notions of gender and identity. Her garments celebrate the diversity of women and encourage them to embrace their unique qualities and expressions.

Sensuality is another prominent theme in Van Herpen's work. She incorporates elements of sensuality into her designs, using bold colors, intricate textures, and delicate fabrics to create garments that exude a sense of allure and allure. Her attention to detail and her ability to create garments that are both visually stunning and tactilely stimulating create a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression on the wearer.

Nature is a recurring theme in Van Herpen's designs, as she seeks to draw inspiration from the natural world. She incorporates botanical prints, floral motifs, and animal prints into her garments, creating a harmonious blend of fashion and nature. By incorporating natural elements into her designs, she encourages a sense of connection and reverence for the environment, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to fashion.

Technology is another key aspect of Van Herpen's work. She incorporates innovative materials and technologies into her designs, such as 3D printing, LED lighting, and smart fabrics. These technologies allow her to create garments that are both technologically advanced and visually stunning. She explores the intersection of fashion and technology, creating garments that are not only functional but also aesthetically captivating.

The future is a central theme in Van Herpen's work, as she imagines a world where fashion is not only a means of self-expression but also a catalyst for social change. She creates garments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have a positive impact on the environment and society. Her designs often feature futuristic elements, such as space-age materials and bold colors, creating a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

Mystery is another theme that permeates Van Herpen's designs. She incorporates elements of mystery and intrigue into her garments, creating a sense of wonder and curiosity. Her attention to detail and her ability to create garments that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich create a sense of intrigue that encourages viewers to explore and interpret her work in their own unique way.

Dreams is a theme that resonates deeply with Van Herpen, as she believes that fashion can be a vehicle for self-expression and personal growth. She creates garments that inspire and empower women, encouraging them to embrace their dreams and pursue their aspirations. Her designs often feature bold colors, intricate patterns, and playful elements, creating a sense of joy and playfulness that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Contemporary art is another important aspect of Van Herpen's work, as she collaborates with artists and designers from various fields to create interdisciplinary projects. She explores the boundaries between fashion and other art forms, creating garments that are not only aesthetically stunning but also conceptually rich. Her collaborations with artists and designers such as Alexander McQueen, Damien Hirst, and Kiki Smith showcase her ability to create garments that are both visually captivating and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Sculpting the Senses offers a comprehensive exploration of Iris van Herpen's remarkable journey as a fashion designer. Through the lens of biomimicry and nine thematic chapters, the exhibition delves into the forces that shape the forms found in nature, uncovering the intricate patterns and cyclical rhythms that serve as the guiding compass in exploring the realm of femininity. By creating a more conscious and sustainable fashion future that resonates with our deepest values and respects the delicate balance of our planet, Van Herpen continues to push the boundaries of Haute Couture and inspire a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.

Weight: 1968g
Dimension: 338 x 257 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789401496063