Iris Van Herpen; Couture A/W 2012

Until recently, Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen was relatively unknown, but enjoyed a certain amount of recognition in fashion circles as the "Alexander McQueen for tech geeks". Designing beautiful sculpted dresses on Photoshop before working with an architect to create a 3D replica ensures that all of the gowns are truly unique, and impossible to replicate, earning the designer loyal fans such as Bjork, who chose to wear one of Van Herpen's designs for her most recent album cover, Biophilia.



Iris Van Herpen; A/W '12 Couture

Iris Van Herpen; A/W '12 Couture

However, this season the designer has become the name on every fashion editor's lips thanks to a highly original collection, complete with jaw-dropping accessories that have quickly become the top of many must-have lists. Sticking to the designer's trademark aesthetic, the garments were all ridiculously intricate, often fabricated from tough materials in a figure-hugging silhouette, forming a sort of second skin. It is in this way that the comparisons to McQueen begin to make sense - McQueen famously said that he wanted the McQueen woman to "be feared", and this collection certainly creates a powerful, and memorable image.

Iris Van Herpen; A/W '12 Couture

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Taking inspiration from celebrities such as Lady Gaga as well as designers such as Atsuko Kudo, latex was used to add a modern edge to footwear. One of the highlights of the collection was a pair of flesh-coloured latex platform heels, complete with an intricate pattern of spikes forming a flower in the centre of the heel. Spikes were often used; black perspex clutch bags were adorned with gold and black studs of various sizes, completing a collection that was flawless from start to finish.

Iris Van Herpen; A/W '12 Couture



Iris Van Herpen; A/W '12 Couture