When one thinks Paris Haute Couture “runway,” one doesn’t often think “mushrooms,” but the seemingly mystifying concept has hit the spotlight of couture. For the past year, a funky trend has driven many designers to have their own mushroom moment. Now, Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen is one of them.
Known for her eccentric and elaborate designs, Van Herpen took enthralling artistic liberty in fusing fungi with inspiration. Her “Roots of Rebirth” Spring 2021 collection, which debuted this week at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, goes beyond art imitating life. It’s ambitious and eye-popping pieces explore the interconnectedness of our world, starting at the very roots. The metaphorical collection aims to illustrate nature’s intimate relationships, most of which are not too different from the web of connections we humans partake of above ground.
See also: See Dior’s Tarot-Inspired Spring-Summer 2021 Collection From Paris Haute Couture Week

rjee | January 25, 2021 | Style & Beauty

When one thinks “runway,” one doesn’t often think “mushrooms,” but the seemingly mystifying concept has hit the spotlight of couture. For the past year, a funky trend has driven many designers to have their own mushroom moment. Now, Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen is one of them.
Known for her eccentric and elaborate designs, Van Herpen took enthralling artistic liberty in fusing fungi with inspiration. Her “Roots of Rebirth” Spring 2021 collection, which debuted this week at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, goes beyond art imitating life. It’s ambitious and eye-popping pieces explore the interconnectedness of our world, starting at the very roots. The metaphorical collection aims to illustrate nature’s intimate relationships, most of which are not too different from the web of connections we humans partake of above ground.
See also: See Dior’s Tarot-Inspired Spring-Summer 2021 Collection From Paris Haute Couture Week
As quoted in Fashionista, the one-of-a-kind designer’s goal was to create a line which “references the intricacy of fungi and the entanglement of life that breathes beneath our feet.” The striking, avant-garde looks bring plenty of volume and whimsy. On some, the use of pleating reflects the gills of a mushroom, while on others, unique designs take over as a nod to the alluring geometric patterns that are often seen in nature. Each piece is cleverly decorated in earthy tones both bright and dull, celebrating all elements.