Iris van Herpen, born in 1984 in Wamel, the Netherlands, is a Dutch fashion designer renowned for her innovative fusion of technology and traditional haute couture craftsmanship. After graduating from the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in Arnhem in 2006, she interned with Alexander McQueen and Claudy Jongstra before launching her eponymous label in 2007. Van Herpen quickly gained recognition for her pioneering use of 3D printing in fashion, becoming one of the first designers to present 3D-printed garments on the runway. Her work has been showcased at prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
Van Herpen’s design process is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, often collaborating with architects, scientists, and artists to push the boundaries of fashion. Her collections explore themes inspired by nature, science, and technology, resulting in garments that are both ethereal and structurally complex. Notable collaborations include working with architect Philip Beesley, artist Neri Oxman, and choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Her designs have been worn by cultural icons such as Björk, Lady Gaga, and Cate Blanchett, further cementing her status as a visionary in the fashion industry
Throughout her career, van Herpen has received numerous accolades recognizing her contributions to fashion and innovation. These include the ANDAM Grand Prix Award in 2014, the European Commission’s STARTS Prize in 2016, and the Johannes Vermeer Award, the Dutch state prize for the arts, in 2017. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in her use of recycled materials and environmentally conscious production methods. Van Herpen continues to redefine the landscape of haute couture, seamlessly blending art, science, and technology to create garments that transcend traditional fashion boundaries.
