Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the senses at the Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is set to unveil “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses,” an exhibition focused on the innovative intersection of fashion and art. This exhibit builds on the 2023 Paris retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, showcasing recent collections by van Herpen, including “Sympoeisis.” Her approach to sustainable couture uses advanced materials and techniques, like laser-cutting and Plexiglas.
High-tech and sustainable fashion
Van Herpen’s work is celebrated for integrating technical processes with natural rhythms and patterns. A standout moment this year was at the Met Gala, where Olympic skier Eileen Gu wore van Herpen’s “Airu” dress, covered in plastic bubbles and capable of releasing real ones. Her “Living Algae” design from 2025 even incorporates Pyrocystis lunula, a bioluminescent algae.
“Living Algae” look from the ‘Sympoiesis’ collection (2025), Pyrocystis lunula algae, nutrient gel, H2O, silicone, silk organza, and tulle. Collaborator: Chris Bellamy. Model: Stella Maxwell. Photo by Molly SJ Lowe
A fusion of disciplines
According to a statement, van Herpen draws inspiration from a range of fields, including mathematics, neuroscience, marine biology, and astronomy. Her couture designs blend art, science, and technology, reflecting nature’s complex structures from coral reefs to planetary patterns.
Exhibition details
“Sculpting the Senses” includes over 140 haute couture designs alongside works from artists like Kenny Nguyen and Tara Donovan. A multi-sensory soundscape by Dutch composer Salvador Breed enriches the experience. The exhibition runs from May 16 to December 6. For more, visit van Herpen’s Instagram and YouTube channels.
