Getting a close-up view of haute couture creations by renowned Dutch fashion designer, Iris van Herpen, is an otherworldly experience worth adding to any fashion or art lover’s life list. I’m so glad I did! Planning on being in New York City during the year 2026? Yes? Then I’d definitely add a visit to the Brooklyn Museum if I were you so that you too can dive into the surreal (& gorgeously theatrical) world of the Sculpting the Senses showcase. When I first read about the fashion news of Iris van Herpen having an exhibit in NYC in the beginning of 2026, and knowing I’d be moving to the big apple to reunite with my love, I immediately made a Google Cal Event with numerous reminders so that we could attend the opening day.
If you’re unfamiliar with the name Iris van Herpen, I’ll save my dramatic gasps for myself, and share some quick fashion facts to get you on the stitch:
☆ She interned at Alexander McQueen
☆ Her work blends fashion, art & science
☆ An Iris van Herpen designed gown can take between 700 to 1500 hours to create
☆ She integrates 3D printing technology into her designs
☆ Her work is deeply embedded in nature
☆ Known for her experimental approach when creating patterns, textures, and even adding a not-so-common trait to dress design: intentional movement
To top off the above mentioned fashion facts, numerous iconic artists have donned her dresses on red carpets, while performing on stage and even in some fashion forward magazines, including but not limited to:
☆ superstar Queen B aka Beyoncé
☆ creative genius, Björk
☆ Latina multihyphenate, Jennifer Lopez
☆ the muy talented, Lady Gaga
☆ actress extraordinaire, Natalie Portman
☆ Caribbean fashion icon & artist, Rihanna
☆ superb multifaceted artist, Sevdaliza
☆ & the gifted multi-threat, Teyana Taylor
Not only do you enter beautifully thematic worlds full of gorgeous gowns (some even rocked on the red carpet), but there are showcases and installations where museumgoers get to witness a magnificent dose of BTS (behind the scenes) elements of her work’s creative processes.
Now that we’ve got a bit of my fashion fangirling out of the way, you can take a look at my own personal experience at Iris van Herpen’s Sculpting the Senses exhibit on opening day via the visual journey below.
SPOILER ALERT: the designer, aka Iris van Herpen, was on premises in New York and I was absolutely in awe to see her LIVE in action.
BON DIA, BROOKLYN MUSEUM!
We were welcomed to the Brooklyn Museum with a beautiful spring day of sunshine and clear blue skies embracing the majestic building. Inside? Well, that could be explained as an equally warm welcome with a giant neon light sign that read “LOVE RULES”, and some captivating sculptures, both ancient and modern, that introduced an atmosphere which was welcoming for both art appreciators with contemporary and classical tastes.
THE WAITING GAME: WORTH IT
Seeing that we attended the opening day of the Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses exhibit, it was expected to be a full house flooded with fashion and art lovers eagerly awaiting to enter the world of Iris van Herpen. And so it was. Even with a specific time slot ticket for entry there was a lengthy line with art bouncers allowing a number of museum visitors into the exhibit at a time, but I must say it was a pleasant waiting game as all around us was much art to be admired. The following are but a few of my favorite pieces that we got to see while awaiting our turn.
WELCOME TO SCULPTING THE SENSES BY IRIS VAN HERPEN
PORTALING THROUGH WORLDS WITHIN A WORLD
FAVORITE FINDS
SPONTANEOUS APPEARANCE OF ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Never thought I’d fangirl, but jokes on me, because when I saw Iris van Herpen LIVE only a few feet away sitting at a table working on some textile patterns/textures I absolutely had a fashion fangirl moment. I was in awe. It felt super special to share the space with such an innovative and extraordinary artist among their jaw-droppingly gorgeous creations aka haute couture gowns and captivating installations.
FAREWELL // AYO // TOT ZO
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, lover of surrealism, craftsmanship connoisseur, appreciator of art, or you simply enjoy witnessing beauty firsthand, the Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses exhibit at NYC’s Brooklyn Museum will for sure be a treat for the aesthetic taste buds.
