1. Icon: Iris van Herpen

Commonly considered superficial, the fashion world seems to be interested neither in science nor technology. However.. 

Iris Van Herpen and her extraordinary approach to design is an outstanding exception. Since entering the industry in 2007, she keeps sending on the runway not garments, but pieces of art. 

Blend of Tech and Couture craftsmanship can be seen as her signature. As a pioneer in using advanced 3D printing, for her last Couture collection Shift Souls, she collaborated with TU Delft to invent a new printing method that enables plastic to be combined with natural fabrics, which resulted in  a scientific publication (see attached paper).

The intersection between technology and fashion means using the first one as a creative tool to push the boundaries in a creative process, for instance, to design sculptural forms or change fabrics behavior. She digs into the field of biotechnology in order to explore possibilities to make fabrics a part of the natural ecosystem (like growing fabrics) make the designs more sustainable and healthy.

Van Herpen's work is multidisciplinary and uses inspiration from various sources. In order to expand the horizons, she stands open to collaborating with architects, artists, biologists, engineers and scientists, such as Philip Beesley, Lawrence Malstaf, Jolan van der Wiel, Drift Studio or TU Deft. 

Why is she an icon? 

I love her approach to design, her curiosity and openness to explore and experiment. Her way of thinking, taking the context of the competitive and shallow industry she works in, it is very uncommon and brave. She creates her own independent path and seems unaffected by the pressure and trends around. Having that said, I would like to develop a similar attitude when it comes to my own work, regardless whether it would be work on a scientific article or art installation. Uncompromised and true to myself. Also, I believe that one can achieve more by exposing himself to unknown territories and experimental collaborations, than by creating solo.