“For me fashion is an expression of art that is very closely related to myself and to my body. I see it as my expression of identity combined with desire, mood, and cultural setting.” -Iris van Herpen

Since I first discovered the work of Ms. Iris van Herpen late last year, I sympathized immediately what it was that I adored so much about her collections. She honors the art in fashion, both in spirit as well as in an architectural sense.

The photos below are from her S/S 2012 collection I attained from her website.

I always find myself getting defensive when I hear people talk about the impracticalities of fashion. The truth is, my attention is generally drawn to the designers who see ability in the unusual. I’m drawn to the efforts of presentation. Fashion – and well, art – is not about practicality or logic. It’s a state of mind, and sometimes we prefer our attire to match our creativity.

I love the materials and structures in every one of the pieces. Van Herpen’s S/S 2012 collection is said to be inspired by microscopic organisms found in nature.