Iris van Herpen and her inspiration: The New Craftsmanship

This designer does not only make fashion, but also art. And I love arty people. So it’s no surprise I went to see her exhibition at the Central Museum in Utrecht (shame on me, it’s already there for a few months and I just recently went there to see it). But I can tell you, I loved it!

Many (dutch) people have heard of Iris van Herpen. She’s one of the most genius fashion designers of Holland. She studied Fashion Design at the ARTEZ academy in Arnhem and did her internships at Alexander McQueen and Claudy Jongstra. In 2007 she started her own label and she became successful, won awards, in just a few years.

The combination of craftsmanship and innovation of technique and materials makes her creations so special. You can say she makes futuristic couture. I guess this will also explain the name of the exposition. One of dresses which was really special was the one who’s made with a 3D printer. Iris likes to try new ways of designing, as long as the material is suitable for clothing. It must follow the shape of the body, also during movements.

Sometimes the meaning of an item is too obvious. I like it when you have to think twice about it. Or, when you ask yourself: “Wtf is the purpose?”. Iris van Herpen makes art where you think twice about (well, I read the explanation at the cart besides the piece). Too me, curious pieces makes me remember it and they inspire me.

This shoe is my favourite piece. It was a collaboration between Van Herpen and United Nude. It’s so arty, but still so fashionable. And that’s what defines Iris van Herpen.

The Central Museum of Utrecht has many nice expositions. From time to time fashion designers show their creative collections here. You can find more about the exhibition and other art shows in the Central Museum of Utrecht here.