Spring 2021 Dress by Iris Van Herpen - Research

IRIS VAN HERPEN S/S 21 HAUTE COUTURE

    Iris Van Herpen is a Dutch fashion designer who likes combining new and technology in work. In 2021, Van Herpen created a haute couture show in Paris for the spring collection entitled 'Roots of Rebirth'. This collection is inspired by a book called 'Entangled Life' by Merlin Sheldrake, which the book talks about the influence of the future and how the fungus create our worlds, and alter our perception (Petrarca, 2021). According to Petrarca (2021), "The novel's influence was increasingly evident on the runway with the presentation of pleated gowns and designs with hovering fins that move as if alive." This collection is alluded to the complexity of fungi and exploring a symbiosis between the technology and the handmade workmanship of couture. Moreover, Van Herpen she successfully created a relationship between terrestrial and the underworld that arises from the natural 'wood wide web'.

  I like this collection because she created the dress fantastically and eccentrically to make the dress look attractive, even though the colour palette is just minimal. Reserved Magazine (2021) mentions that the fungal helps to reminisce about the garment's beauty, which means the fabrics Van Herpen used are glass-organza with various colours from bright to dark and finely pleated. It makes the fractal networks because of the shape of the bodice embroidery that is created by hand. Then, the mosaic was crafted beautifully to create a flowing effect, which was first 3D embroidered and laser-cut to show the details of the amethyst-hued fibres and the skin (Reserved Magazine, 2021). Moreover, according to Reserved Magazine (2021), Van Herpen successfully created a smooth gradient in translucency that was made from millions of tiny trilateral tessellations on recycled fabric based on marine debris by Parley for the Oceans; it produced an excellent symbiosis between the skin and the cloth.

  What made me choose her as the artist that inspired me? Because her craftsmanship in garments is unique, it creates depth for the people who wear it, and it has fantastical, magical outfits. She can make a dress that is inspired by nature into a beautiful dress. Also, I chose her because for my final project, I will design national costumes and because I want the national costume to be modern and a fairy tale, Van Herpen's work is a good inspiration that I am likely to see. I like the liquescent technique that she used to give the dress depth. Moreover, I will take inspiration from her dress's eccentric design for the national costume I am going to make.

    Reference List

Reserved Magazine. (2021). IRIS VAN HERPEN SPRING/SUMMER 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.reservedmagazine.com/iris-van-herpen-spring-summer-2021/ [Accessed 17 Apr. 2024].

Petrarca, M. (2021). Found: The Most Breathtaking Nail Look From Paris Haute Couture Week. [online] Grazia USA. Available at: https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/iris-van-herpen-ss21-haute-couture-beauty/ [Accessed 17 Apr. 2024].