Iris Van Herpen Diving Into Virtual Reality
As enamored as she is with IRL fashion shows, Iris Van Herpen began preparing for a leap into cyberspace two years ago.
The Dutch couturier is designing her fall 2020 couture collection, and concurrently is plotting an “immersive virtual reality experience” that will allow a broader audience to discover her otherworldly creations.
A pioneer with 3-D printing and design processes, Van Herpen also downloads plenty of poetry and emotion into her designs. Will that translate in the digital realm?
Here, the designer talks about what the future of fashion might look and feel like.
WWD: Can you talk a little more about the immersive virtual reality experience you’re developing?
I.V.H.: We are doing it simultaneously as we are working on a new collection. It’s just slower and a bigger challenge because we are doing it from home.
At the same time, we are creating a VR experience of that same work. It really is a test to be honest. It’s the first time we will be doing it this way. It’s an experiment for us to get as close to the materiality and the emotion and the three-dimensionality that is important in my work.
WWD: Do you see digital shows as democratizing fashion in a way?
I.V.H.: So much of my audience only experiences my work on my web site or Instagram. The three-dimensionality and true emotion of the work is not being experienced by everybody. I’m really excited by the possibility of bringing a more three-dimensional and emotional experience of the work to a much broader audience.
See the full story with video here: https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/iris-van-herpen-virtual-reality-fashion-1203554662/