Runway Recap: The Iris Van Herpen Show Was Like Watching A Live Art Exhibit

It was on the second week of June when I got an e-mail from Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen’s commercial director Paul, inviting me once again to come over and watch their show. I have already declined the other shows due to my commitments, grad school, and seminars. I was actually thinking of missing it again until I got a few phone calls from other fashion houses as well, hence my decision to push through and see the shows. The universe truly conspired and sent me to Paris to watch and celebrate Paris Haute Couture Week. And boy am I happy that I did!

 

The Iris Van Herpen Paris Haute Couture Week invite

 

READ: 3 Styling Lessons We Learned From Heart Evangelista's Paris Couture Week Outfits

 

 

 

 

 

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Two days hypnotically in fast forward ∞ explore the evolution of fabrics and pattern, in preparation of creating this new dress. Just a few more days before we reveal the complete collection at @parisfashionweek. ∞ #irisvanherpen #parisfashionweek

A post shared by Iris van Herpen Official (@irisvanherpen) on Jun 26, 2019 at 6:29am PDT

 

In focus: Iris and Hypnosis

The Dutch designer collaborated with and found inspiration from the works of the American artist Anthony Howe. Intricate weaves of ancient silk using the moiré technique were very much prevalent in the collection. It was such a delight to see moving layers and layers of fabric made into beautiful, artistic pieces each with symbiotic meaning for the famous designer. The collection consists of what we call “wearable art”—a great mastery of visual illusion and movement.
 

 

 

 

 

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Today Iris van Herpen presented her latest Couture collection for Autumn-Winter 2019/20, titled ?Hypnosis', at Élysée Montmartre in Paris. Inspiration was found in the manifolds within our ecologies through the work of American artist Anthony Howe. The meditative movement of the spherical ‘Omniverse’ sculpture served as a portal for the collection and the models, encircling a state of hypnosis through the ‘Infinity’ dress. ∞ Show credits Special thanks to collaborating artist: @anthony.howe.art Collaborating artist: @philip.beesley Video by @blitzkickers Styling: @patti_wilson Music direction: @sssalvadorrr Model: @rebekkame Casting: Maida Gregory Boina, @maximevalentini & @caromauger Make up: @silbruinsma1 & the @maccosmeticsfrance PRO Team Hair: @martincullen65 for @streetersldn Shoes by @unitednude Manicure: @jessicascholten_ Press: @karlaotto ∞ #irisvanherpen #hypnosiscouture #parisfashionweek

A post shared by Iris van Herpen Official (@irisvanherpen) on Jul 1, 2019 at 6:56am PDT

 

Photos: @irisvanherpen

 

READ: #MetroStyleWatch: Heart Evangelista's Paris Couture Week Style Diary

 

Among the attendees of the jampacked show were fashion icon of-the-moment Celine Dion wearing one of Iris Van Herpen's latest creations; supermodel Coco Rocha, and American model and drag queen Miss Fame, my seatmates among a sea of fashion fans. Also in attendance were Fredrick Robertson, and actor Derek Hale of Teen Wolf fame. It goes without saying that witnessing a union of art and fashion was truly worth the trip, and getting hypnotized by a genius like Iris deserves a once in a lifetime moment.

 

Celine Dion in Iris Van Herpen. Photo @irisvanherpen

 

Coco Rocha in Iris Van Herpen. Photo: @irisvanherpen

 

Aimee Hashim, lifestyle consultant posing in front of the show's spherical "Omniverse" sculpture—a portal for the collection and the models.

 

Check out the video to see the complete runway show:

 

Lead photos from @irisvanherpen. Other photos courtesy of Aimee Hashim.