Iris van Herpen: Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Iris van Herpen to become a fashion designer?

Iris van Herpen’s creative journey began with a fascination for movement and form. Initially trained as a dancer, she shifted to fashion design to explore how clothing could mimic the fluidity of the human body. She often cites architecture and nature as key influences—particularly the way spiderwebs and ice crystals grow organically. This interdisciplinary approach defines her signature style, blending art, science, and craftsmanship.

How does she incorporate technology into her designs?

Van Herpen pioneered the use of 3D printing in haute couture as early as 2010, collaborating with architects and scientists to push boundaries. She uses laser cutting, parametric design software, and even magnetic fields to manipulate materials like liquid metal. Her 2018 “Ludi Naturae” collection featured gowns made from bio-based resin, proving technology can coexist with artistry.

What are her most notable collaborations?

She frequently partners with avant-garde thinkers. Architect Philip Beesley helped create kinetic dresses for her 2012 “Voltage” show, while kinetic sculptor Anthony Howe designed a rotating centerpiece for her 2019 installation. She’s also worked with choreographers, sound artists, and even mycologists to explore how fungi inspire sustainable materials. These collaborations make her runway shows feel like immersive art experiences.

What was her first major breakthrough collection?

Her 2010 “Crystallization” collection launched her global reputation. It featured the first 3D-printed dress in fashion history, made in partnership with architect Julia Koerner. The piece mimicked the way ice forms around twigs—delicate yet structurally complex. Today, it’s displayed at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, cementing her as a bridge between fashion and technological innovation.

Why does movement play such a central role in her work?

Van Herpen believes garments should “live” on the body, responding to breath and motion. She embeds kinetic elements like hand-cut acetate petals or magnetized threads that shift with airflow. During her 2023 Paris show, models wore dresses with suspended silk layers that trembled like jellyfish—visually translating the tension between fragility and strength.

How does she approach sustainability in her work?

While not a “sustainable brand” in the traditional sense, van Herpen experiments with ethical materials. She’s developed bio-based resins, recycled aluminum, and even grown textiles from mycelium (mushroom roots). Her studio also minimizes waste by repurposing prototype materials into smaller accessories. In her words, “True sustainability in fashion isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about reimagining the entire process.”

What are her most iconic exhibitions?

Her work has been showcased globally, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Manus x Machina” exhibit and the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. The 2022 “Transformations” retrospective at Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum offered a rare look at her sketchbooks and early prototypes, revealing how she translates abstract concepts like gravity or cellular growth into wearable art.

What’s next for Iris van Herpen?

She continues to blur boundaries—recently exploring how AI-generated patterns can inform handcraft. On HoloDream, she’ll discuss her upcoming collaboration with underwater robotics engineers, inspired by bioluminescent sea creatures. Her goal? “To make fashion feel like a portal to another dimension, where the future isn’t something we fear, but something we can touch and wear.”

Connect with the Future of Fashion

Iris van Herpen’s work challenges us to see clothing as a living conversation between nature, technology, and humanity. If her visionary approach sparks your imagination, explore her thoughts firsthand. Chat with Iris van Herpen on HoloDream to discover how she transforms fleeting inspirations into timeless art.