Welcome to October, dear Reader..
A popular and highly successful exhibition finishes this weekend at Brisbane's GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art).
'Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses' celebrates the work of innovative and acclaimed Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen.
Almost 100 of Van Herpen's fabulous and unusual gowns are displayed, along with a selection of contemporary art which mirrors some of her themes. Gowns designed for Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and many other A-listers have excited Brisbane patrons for the past three month.
Here is a selection from my personal photo shots on one of my many visits to enjoy and admire these incredible creations.
Many of the fine layered fabrics are laser cut, and 3D printing techniques have made some of the elaborate shapes..
The fine petal-like layers fascinate the viewer..
Accompanying accessories..
Everything is surprisingly wearable - there are videos of models walking them on the catwalk..
I looked as closely as I could, and observed that many are built upon a layer of fine skin-coloured tulle,
with a simple invisible zip at the back..
Those with more solid, sculptural forms, I am guessing are hinged at the sides and possibly laced up the back. The most intriguing ones were shown in positions where I could not get a close look around the sides :)
Back to my sewing machine for a bit of basic home sewing over the weekend..
What are you doing?
Take care and be good.
XXXX
The details in the dresses are extraordinary - they look more like works of art, and you would have to have the perfect figure to get away with wearing any of them.
ReplyDeleteYes, they certainly are like works of art, Rosemary. These are very tiny in size as they are the fashion house originals. Clients select a design which is then made to measure for them, at astronomical prices of many thousands. They are very much Red Carpet or stage pieces, or just for the very very rich??
ReplyDeleteWow, these gowns are something else! How interesting all the designs are, although some would be hard to walk in I would imagine. I bet viewing all the dresses would be an inspiration for someone who sews as good as you do. These gowns are very creative. And that sweet rose at the end with the perfect color made me smile. : )
ReplyDeleteHappy October Patricia!
~Sheri
It was a great exhibition Sheri. I think the sewing level is beyond me, but it is incredible to see what a Courtier can come up with. The rose came from my sister. Isn't it pretty?
DeleteSuch fantastical creations! They are works of art. I can't imagine sauntering down to the grocery store wearing any of them, though. They do make a statement for someone who is in the public eye.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter did her collection for her fashion degree, she used laser cutting on silk very effectively.
I'm itching to get back to my sewing these days, but replacing a window is taking some time and so I'm just waiting it out.
Ha, I don't think those gowns ever go to the shops! This designer made the famous swan gown worn by Bjork, which you might remember. How interesting your daughter is familiar with laser cutting. The sewing world has indeed changed. Happy sewing to you.
DeleteWhat magnificant designs, Trish! I've never heard of Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen but I must have seen Lady Gaga wear his dresses on award shows.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Thanks for sharing them.
I am sure you have seen Van herpen gowns on a number of people on the red carpet. Many of them are seen at the Metropolitan Opera night too. Only the rich and famous will be buying these, but it is nice to look and made a fantastic art exhibition in a gallery.
DeleteWow!! What an extraordinary collection!! I can understand why more than one visit would be necessary! Thank you so much for sharing my dear!!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was extraordinary, Tamera. The exhibition has now closed but I think I went through it about five times, looking at all the details.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. Some of my friends went and said it was amazing! Thanks for sharing Trish xx
ReplyDeleteIt was all very intriguing Michelle, however it was not really about sewing and stitching, our mutual interest but the creativity and technical innovation were incredible and often very beautiful.
DeleteWhat amazing creations, Trish. But even though you say there are videos with models wearing them, I cannot imagine anyone buying such a gown other than to be a showpiece. They are stunning works of art, though!
ReplyDeleteYes, they work well in a gallery space, surrounded by a few related works of art on the walls. The gowns are haute couture, and to have one custom made costs upwards of $50,000. Definitely for the elite on the red carpet!
DeleteThanks for the great photos.. I can't believe I missed this exhibition. I really wanted to go but just didn't get the time.
ReplyDelete