In a celebration of avant-garde fashion and innovative design, the Musée des Arts décoratifs host the exhibition “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” from November 29, 2023, to April 28, 2024. The exhibition promises a captivating exploration of the body’s relationship with space, clothing, and the evolving world.
Founding the Maison Iris van Herpen in 2007, she embarked on a journey that transcended conventional fashion boundaries. Her commitment to craftsmanship and innovation led her to collaborate with artists, thinkers, and experts from diverse disciplines, transforming fashion into a multidimensional language. Born in 1984 in the Netherlands, Iris van Herpen’s formative years were deeply influenced by nature and classical dance; and this retrospective pays homage to Iris van Herpen, a trailblazing fashion designer renowned for her fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies.
Organized around nine themes, the retrospective delves into the essence of Iris van Herpen’s work. The exhibition commences with the theme of water and life’s origins, echoing throughout the designer’s creations. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Iris van Herpen’s aquatic universe through her latest collection, Carte Blanche. The exploration continues into the realms of skeletons, organic and architectural networks, sensory experiences, mythology, and the cosmos. Curated by Cloé Pitiot and Louise Curtis, unfolds in the Christine & Stephen A. Schwarzman Galleries. Over a hundred haute couture pieces by Iris van Herpen engage in a visual dialogue with contemporary artworks and designs by renowned artists and creators. The spectrum ranges from microscopic natural elements to macroscopic explorations of the body in relation to architecture, physics, and technology.
Iris van Herpen’s awareness of contemporary issues is evident in her dedication to eco-responsible manufacturing methods. The exhibition showcases creations crafted from recycled plastic and 3D-printed cocoa beans, highlighting the designer’s commitment to sustainable and thoughtful fashion.
As the exhibition concludes, the audience is treated to a glimpse into Iris van Herpen’s studio, a cabinet of curiosities featuring accessories and elements from the natural sciences, and a room celebrating the living, moving body through captivating runway show videos. Salvador Breed’s sound composition adds an auditory layer, enriching the sensory experience. This exhibition is not merely a display of fashion; it is a testament to Iris van Herpen’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of imagination and design.
“Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” will be open at MAD from Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to Sunday, April 28, 2024.
