Iris van Herpen is a visionary in the fashion world, whose silhouettes and materials redefine the boundaries of possibility. Her work is a dialogue between nature, technology, and the human body, posing the question: what will the fashion of the future look like? A pioneer in using 3D printing in haute couture, van Herpen introduced her groundbreaking Crystallization top, created with additive technologies, as early as 2010. Her signature designs—weightless organza, intricate structures resembling otherworldly forms—echo the final runway collection of Alexander McQueen, with whom she worked as an intern.
Van Herpen reimagines the concept of “fabric,” pushing the limits of the conventional. In her latest haute couture collection, the opening look was literally alive—not because of the model, but thanks to bioluminescent Pyrocystis lunula algae, glowing within the dress itself.
From September 27, 2025, to March 1, 2026, fans of Iris van Herpen’s work can immerse themselves in her universe at the “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” exhibition at the Kunsthal Rotterdam. This leading Dutch cultural hub will showcase the designer’s iconic creations alongside works by other artists from around the globe. The exhibition promises a sensory journey, revealing how fashion transcends into art and a new way of experiencing the world.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ticket prices are €18 for adults, €10 for students under 26 and CJP cardholders, and free for visitors under 18. For more details, contact +31 (0)10-4400301 or visit www.kunsthal.nl.
