Iris van Herpen - Alchemic Couture -

Iris van Herpen’s work is metaphysical. Title of the Alchemic Couture
collection underlines the power of transformation of what we can see, into what makes modern couture, thanks to the introduction of new, innovative techniques and materials. The real alchemy of the collection relies on the amazing ability to blend the latest technological achievements with traditional craftwork. This synergy, together with van Herpen’s sensitivity results in effects, which are years ahead of their time.
Van Herpen’s fashion extends beyond contemporary trends and ways of
understanding the silhouette. She blends advanced technologies with
nature. Her own, original fabrics are almost like 3D prints. And although
the achieved perfection makes it seem as if all her work was created with a computer, a large part of her projects is also handmade. It’s the symbiosis of manual labour and laser cuts, that results in the most astounding effects.
She obviously doesn’t deny technology, but then again the way in which
she uses it is far from what can be expected. Often times, the most
futuristic of her projects are the ones made manually, whilst the ones
which refer the most to nature or tradition, are the ones manufactured with the latest tools used in architecture or even astronautics. This way Van Herpen blurs the boundaries between craftsmanship and technology, making those two vastly different worlds connect.
And those boundaries, or lack thereof is what the Alchemic Couture is all about.
Iris van Herpen completely changed the way in which tools of fashion are viewed. She showcases that it’s worth searching for the undiscovered, even if the chaotic search may never come to an end. According to her, the incomprehensible may only come from chaos.
The act of discovery is very close to Iris. Constant change and the
symbiotic relationship between labour of hands and technology result in effect which is nothing short of spectacular. Dynamic creations, the living, three-dimensional objects which change meaning throughout the exhibition. Van Herpen doesn’t sketch - just as the haute couture artists of the past she drapes the fabrics directly onto the mannequin to find out what it looks like in motion, which could be attributed to her past as a ballet dancer. This is signified by her phrase “Hybrid dance which frees of
form”.
But Iris van Herpen refuses to stay in her comfort zone, constantly pushing the boundaries and expanding the horizons of her own art in the never ending search for the unknown. Our exhibition focuses on what’s key for her work - sharing the creative process, engaging in collaborations with people from various, often such different fields of work (architecture, engineering), and connecting with their creativity.