We’ll admit it. When it comes to couture, innovation and impeccable craftsmanship, Paris has an unfair advantage. No, we’re not talking about the Diors and Chanels of the industry. The ace in Paris Fashion Week’s calendar is, in fact, Dutch, and goes by the name of Iris van Herpen. The McQueen protégé and darling of the couture universe, whose work is always an exploration of man and the machines.
Her continuous focus on transformation through technology shone during her couture runway show during Paris Fashion Week yesterday too. Dubbed Between the Lines, the collection included fragile looking dresses made using materials and techniques such as polyurethane and injection molding, expandable laser-cut mylar and 3-D handcasting.
Focus of the show was the exploration of the imperfections of systems and structures in both the physical and digital worlds, with one of the highlights being a 3D printed dress that ‘comes alive’ (read: creates a mesmerising optical illusion) when the wearer breathes. Another show-stopper was a silk tulle dress covered in transparent ‘water drops’, perhaps a nod tog one of Van Herpen’s previous creations – The Water Dress.
For another season, Van Herpen has taught the Parisian cluster of designers (and beyond) a memorable lesson in haute tech couture.
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