Fashion Designer Expands Limits of the Human Figure with Cutting-Edge Haute-Couture Masterpieces

### **Delving into the Creative Confluence of Fashion and Movement at Vogue’s “Inventing the Runway” Exhibition**

The realm of fashion is an ever-changing artistic expression, and this is prominently showcased in *Vogue: Inventing the Runway*, a remarkable new exhibition held at Lightroom in London. Running from November 13, 2024, to April 26, 2025, guests will journey through a visually captivating exploration of runway evolution, the artistry of high fashion, and the significant moments in *Vogue’s* prestigious past that have transformed and redefined the essence of fashion.

At the forefront of this innovative exhibition is Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, a pioneering talent whose works merge art, technology, and science. Her 2019 *Hypnosis* collection, a stunning runway presentation that masterfully combines kinetic sculpture, groundbreaking fabric innovation, and wearable artistry, stands out as a central feature, showcasing how the runway can elevate beyond basic functionality into realms of awe and creativity.

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### **Iris van Herpen: Expanding the Boundaries of Fashion**

Iris van Herpen has long been acknowledged for her avant-garde design philosophy, which challenges traditional ideas about clothing. Her creations exist in a realm where fluidity, movement, and technology intertwine, producing pieces that resemble living, breathing artworks more than classic couture.

In *Hypnosis*, van Herpen elevates her vision by delving into the idea of movement as a form of transformation. Teaming up with renowned American kinetic sculptor Anthony Howe, the showcase became a lyrical blend of fashion, sculpture, and physics. Howe, celebrated for his entrancing wind-driven sculptures, designed kinetic installations that provided a lively backdrop for the runway. This fusion of artistic disciplines created a captivating environment where the static and dynamic existed in harmony.

The garments showcased in *Hypnosis* reflected this transformative essence. Utilizing the Japanese floating ink painting technique called *suminagashi*—meaning “ink on water”—van Herpen crafted swirling designs that conjure a sense of continuous motion on fabric. With every step a model took, the garments seemed to animate, as if the designs were capable of respiration and movement.

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### **Fashion as an Artistic and Scientific Medium**

Central to van Herpen’s ethos is the belief that fashion should do more than merely adorn the body—it should investigate the intersections of materials, movement, and innovation. Her creations resist simple classification, thriving at the junction of art, sculpture, engineering, and architecture.

Collections like *Hypnosis* employ state-of-the-art methods—such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and experimental textile development—to forge garments that extend well beyond conventional textile design. Each piece represents a blend of artistry and ingenuity, evident in other remarkable works like the *Galactic Glitch* dress, characterized by interconnected mesh designs and a harmonica-inspired architectural rhythm, and an asymmetrical silk gown inspired by seaweed.

Van Herpen insightfully articulates her designs as “contemplating movement as a force of transformation” that reshapes the human form into “multidimensional silhouettes.” Her creations encourage viewers to explore the boundaries between the garment and the body: Where does the clothing conclude and the human figure commence? How does attire influence and alter our perceptions of motion and space? These inquiries resonate profoundly throughout the *Inventing the Runway* exhibition.

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### **The Importance of “Inventing the Runway”**

The exhibition itself celebrates creativity and innovation within the fashion domain. Drawing from *Vogue’s* esteemed archive, *Inventing the Runway* examines the progression of the catwalk as an artistic venue that transcends mere commerce. Through engaging installations, attendees can witness iconic instances where designers, artists, and creatives collaborated to transform the runway into a platform for storytelling and experimentation.

Van Herpen’s *Hypnosis* fits seamlessly within this narrative, encapsulating the creative synergy of art and fashion that the exhibition aims to showcase. Her creations disrupt traditional perceptions of fashion’s potential, transforming the runway into a kinetic space where garments serve as artistic expressions in constant movement.

Including *Hypnosis* emphasizes van Herpen’s capability to seamlessly blend visual arts, engineering, and performance within couture. By highlighting collections like hers, the exhibition recognizes fashion as a dynamic cultural force, fostering broader dialogues about technology, culture, and artistic expression.

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### **Experience the Innovation at Lightroom**

For those captivated by the intersections of fashion and art, *Vogue: Inventing the Runway* presents an unparalleled adventure. Located at Lightroom in central London, visitors will discover a meticulously curated array of works by visionary designers who have influenced and broadened the scope of runway fashion. The spotlight on Iris van Herpen