Iris van Herpen Uses 3D Printing to Merge Fashion and Contemporary Art

Since November 29, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris has been hosting a new exhibition dedicated to the work of designer Iris van Herpen. Recently, our team was lucky enough to visit it and learn more about the hundreds of collection pieces on display, from haute couture dresses to accessories, including a glimpse into the Dutch designer’s working laboratory. These included those made using additive manufacturing technologies.

Indeed, the core of Iris van Herpen’s work is that she uses new technologies and combines them with more traditional methods to create incredible works of art. And yes, we don’t mean to say fashion show, her designs can truly be considered work of arts, as shown in this latest exhibit. Sculpting the Senses is a journey through the artist’s sources of inspiration, showcasing all his talent and genius – not forgetting how 3D printing can impact the fashion industry.

More than 100 dresses are on display in the Irish van Herpen exhibit

The exhibition is divided into 11 different rooms and follows a precise path, going from the micro- to macro-level as it ends with the theme of space exploration. Iris van Herpen is an artist who has been particularly influenced by nature, science and literature. She is one of the few designers to combine digital technologies and craft techniques, all without going through the drawing stage. Rather than starting with her pencil to paper, she always starts with a material and studies it from every angle to imagine a new dress or accessory.