As machine embroiderers, I think it’s important to step out of our comfort zones to see new interpretations of the everyday. That’s why I took a trip to the Dallas Museum of Art recently. A fashion exhibit featuring the work of Iris van Herpen was on display and it was well worth the trip!
If you’re unfamiliar, she’s a fashion designer that boldly and unapologetically mixes media to make her collections. Ever imagine using 3-D printing to make garments? She has and she’s done it. She mixes everything from tulle (we’d expect that) to resins, chain and magnets.
My friend and I commented on whether or not a model could sit in any of the garments. We concluded most were not meant for sitting! But they certainly were fascinating and inspiring.
Take a look.
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This dress, called Refinery Smoke, is at the entrance to the exhibit. I think it’s among my favorites in the collection. The description of the dress, as featured at the museum, follows.
What a unique gift to see beauty where most of us don’t.
The next dress is my top favorite. It has a vintage look about it – which I love.
Here’s a closer view of the detail. Would you have ever imagined to use ball chain on a garment? Somehow it works! As a machine embroiderer, I can imagine a touch of Urban Threads’ embroidery designs embellished somewhere on the dress. 
You’ll make a splash when you enter the room in this garment!
You might be thinking delicate feathers. No. Laser cut 3-D polyester film lace and micro fiber.
At a loss for words? Me too. Among the components are silicone laser-cut feathers, gull skulls and pearls. Of course!
Close-up view of the garment.
Can you guess the metal components in the dress below? Umbrella tines!
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While you and I may not aspire to create over-the-top pieces like these – we do have permission to be inspired. Push yourself to see fabric and embroidery designs with a new perspective. Iris van Herpen certainly “broke” all sorts of “rules” when it comes to creating garments – and you can too – whether it’s embroidered garments, quilts or home decor.
Look for ideas in the upcoming Volume 106 Sept/Oct issue with Katherine Artines and Volume 107 Nov/Dec featuring a variety of 3-D ornaments.
8 COMMENTS
Carolyn H
7 years agoThey all look weird to me!
Denise Holguin
7 years agoYes. That’s what makes the exhibit fun to me. Also, it’s amazing craftsmanship. It takes talent to put unusual materials together so flawlessly. I can barely put normal fabrics together flawlessly – imagine the skill needed to use plastic!
Thank for reading the blog and commenting!
Denise
Hazel Tunbridge
7 years agoI agree Carolyn but museums are awesome places to be inspired.I try to visit as often as I can especially those in London
Denise Holguin
7 years agoHazel,
Yes, that’s a great idea to visit regularly. I need to do the same. Paintings, sculptures and artifacts can inspire. All we need is a little spark of an idea!
Denise
BAK
7 years agoI saw this exhibit in Atlanta. Her creativity blew my mind!
Denise Holguin
7 years agoSeeing the exhibit made me want to experiment with unusual materials to make a garment. (and I don’t even sew garments!).
Denise
Linda Robbins
7 years agoHer designs make me wonder what her mind works like on a non-working day. I love the creativity these designs express. I wonder what I can do with ball chain?
Karin Callander
7 years agoGull skulls? Really? All the rest was pretty imaginative and creative, but really now, gull skulls?? I’m not sure I can even unsee that!