HOLON.- New Couture by Iris van Herpen from the Groninger Musuem Collection, on view at Design Museum Holon is the first time the designer’s work is being shown in Israel. The exhibition shows an edit of collections from a career which began in 2007. A diverse and beautiful body of work pays close attention to van Herpen’s ability to work with traditional crafts techniques and complicated handwork, alongside cutting edge techniques such as 3-D printing.

Iris van Herpen is one of the leading designers within the fashion community with a career that began with an internship at Alexander McQueen, before starting her own label in 2007. In 2008, van Herpen was nominated for the prestigious Createurope: The Fashion Academy Award and has since continued to be recognized for her remarkable, sculptural outfits and collections which utilize a broad combination of materials and influences. – whalebones used in children’s umbrellas, synthetic boat rigging and other wondrous sources, creating pieces that push boundaries of imagination but also wearability.

Sculptural effects with an astonishing visual impact appear both organic and futuristic and for van Herpen, the representation of her imagination and unique narratives are vital in demonstrating a skill that combines fashion training with an ability to engage on a wider scope within the art and design arena.

Van Herpen’s collections each have their own distinctive story. For instance, Crystallization, the first fashion collection to feature 3D printed dresses whilst Radiation Invasion explores the invisible radiation and signals all around us that make telecommunication possible. The Synesthesia collection has a neurological phenomenon as its starting point, where a mingling of sensory perceptions occurs. For the Micro collection, Van Herpen drew inspiration from the world of micro-organisms.

Iris van Herpen’s careful choice of materials and the extraordinary techniques that are presented in the exhibition were a natural choice for Design Museum Holon, whose vision is to serve as a leading hub for innovation in design. Playing an active role in the museum’s vision of becoming a leading center for design innovation is the Museum’s Material Library. This library, the first of its kind in Israel, and a pioneer in the international design world, will present a dedicated exhibition exploring van Herpen’s use of materials to run alongside New Couture.