“There’s beauty in contrast, new terrains are found at the intersection between precision and chaos, art and science, the human touch and the high-tech, the artificial and the organic”

– Iris van Herpen

Get ready to be transported to infinity and beyond… to a galaxy far, far away… to boldly go where no man has gone before as Iris van Herpen takes us on an adventure in The ROM’s new exhibit, Transforming Fashion. The exhibit gives us a sneak peak into the future of fashion by demonstrating what art technologies like 3D printing and interweaving design are capable of producing.

Iris Van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibit at @romtoronto explores the endless possibilities that come from interweaving design, art, and technology. It’s spectacular! #DesignImpossible

A post shared by Marta Tryshak (@martatryshak) on Jun 12, 2018 at 11:47am PDT

Iris van Herpen, a Dutch couturier, pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion and craftsmanship in her collections that can be viewed at The ROM until October 8th, 2018. The forward-thinking fashion designer plays with traditional design intermixing radical materials and construction methods to create her futuristic vision, a vision that is utterly extraordinary.

As I wandered through the exhibit, taking in each and every intricate design, I was utterly moved by the artistry and raw emotion that was carefully constructed into each piece. The blending of past, present, and futuristic inspirations create a unique aesthetic that is unlike any other. Her designs are primitive, yet innovative and modern. From looks of waves, to bones, to metals and darkness, van Herpen uses nature as one of her many muses.

This is so much more than just a dress. Wait this is a dress? Yes, but not just any dress. The dome dress consists of 300 zinc-coated steel, laser-cut forms, that have been hand-molded into 3-dimensional domes. Using nature as her muse, @irisvanherpen created these lace-like features to mimic bubbles of air that reflect light and billow around the body. You can see it for yourself at our upcoming exhibition Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion. #designimpossible

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“For me fashion is a form of art that is close related to me and my body. I see it as a very personal expression of identity combined with desire, mood and culture.”

– Iris van Herpen

She collaborated with Philip Beesley, the architect who created the Transforming Space installation that accompanies van Herpen’s Transforming Fashion exhibit. He merges artificial intelligence into his designs to create interactive environments and responsive architecture.

The two teamed up to create The ROM’s commissioned piece: The Dome dress.  The silhouette seemingly floats around the body and that’s airy design is nearly weightless. Using laser-cut metal lace, the two hand molded the three-dimensional domes and wove them together to create a bubble-like delicate effect. Inspired by nature and movement, this dress mimics bubbles of air reflecting light.

Their work challenges you think, it makes you feel, and leaves you wondering what’s next and what else is possible. To check out the exhibit you can buy tickets online at The Royal Ontario Museum’s website here.

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