Queen Máxima opens Iris van Herpen Exhibition

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands inaugurated the ‘Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses’ Exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratif in Paris on the evening of November 28th, ahead of attending the ‘Viviane Sassen – Phosphor: Art & Fashion’ at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie tomorrow.

Queen Máxima opened the retrospective ‘Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses’ Exhibit with Iris van Herpen and French First Lady Brigitte Macron (who visited The Netherlands in April).

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs , the largest museum for decorative arts in Europe, has invited Van Herpen to exhibit in tribute to her progressive designs. Van Herpen combines traditional couture craftsmanship with the use of innovative techniques. This exhibition brings together the essence of Van Herpen’s work, which focuses on fashion, contemporary art, design and science. The exhibition is structured around nine themes such as ‘ Water and Dreams ‘ and ‘ Skeletal Embodiment ‘; characteristic elements in Van Herpen’s designs. Van Herpen’s studio has also been simulated and visitors can experience the design process of new pieces themselves.

After the opening, Queen Máxima received a tour where she spoke with curator Cloé Pitiot and co-curator Louise Curtis and the compilers of the nine themes. Queen Máxima also discussed the creation of the exhibition with those involved in the museum and Van Herpen’s studio.

Queen Máxima wore a Iris van Herpen Gown with the House Diamond Earrings(taken off the Stuart Tiara) and the Dutch East Indies Bracelet.

The exhibition can be seen in Paris from November 29 to April 28, 2024. The exhibition will then travel to Brisbane, Singapore and Rotterdam.