The ArtScience Museum in Singapore hosts ‘Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses,’ showcasing the Dutch designer’s innovative work from March 15 to August 10.
A new fashion exhibition titled “Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” is set to make its debut in Asia at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore. The exhibition will run from March 15 to August 10, offering visitors a unique overview of the work of Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen and her innovative label. This exhibition marks Van Herpen’s first solo show in Asia and aims to provide an intimate experience that showcases the intricate details of her designs.
The exhibition is structured across nine themed rooms, each presenting a distinct aspect of Van Herpen’s work, which includes a variety of artistic expressions beyond clothing. Themes range from underwater-inspired pieces to displays influenced by growth systems and outer space. Additionally, the exhibition features ancient artwork and fossils, fostering a dialogue between Van Herpen’s creations and the natural world.
Iris Van Herpen, who launched her brand in 2007, has become known for blending traditional fashion techniques with cutting-edge technology, utilizing processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Her approach transforms garments into sculptural works that explore themes of movement, fluidity, and organic shapes. As a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, she is recognized for pushing the boundaries of couture beyond conventional techniques like embroidery, effectively transforming her collections into experimental laboratories that hint at the future of clothing.
Speaking at a press conference, Van Herpen emphasized her deep-rooted connection to nature, a reflection of her upbringing in the Netherlands. “Fashion sits in a wider world, and interacts with environment, nature, technology and so on,” she remarked, highlighting how these influences shape her work. Van Herpen’s designs exhibit a unique approach to materials, with a focus on sustainability through the use of biodegradable fabrics and unconventional options like metallic foils.
Her creations have attracted attention not just for their aesthetic qualities but also as favored pieces among A-list celebrities. Notable figures such as Beyoncé, Björk, and Lady Gaga have donned her sculptural designs for red-carpet events, seeking to make a striking artistic statement.
Collaborations are a significant aspect of Van Herpen’s work. For example, during a couture show in 2019, she partnered with kinetic artist Anthony Howe, presenting dresses influenced by his dynamic sculptures. Additionally, her collaboration with BMW explored the convergence of fashion and automotive design.
Through her innovative techniques and focus on sustainability, Van Herpen challenges perceptions about materiality, movement, and the very nature of fashion itself. She aims to push the boundaries of what is considered wearable art while provoking thought about the relationship between garments, the body, and the environment. The exhibition at ArtScience Museum stands as an opportunity for attendees to experience this dialogue firsthand and appreciate the intricate artistry that characterizes Van Herpen’s work.
Source: Noah Wire Services
