Earthrise: Iris van Herpen’s Vision for Fashion and the Planet

Dec 12

What does it mean to truly see the Earth?

For Iris van Herpen, it’s more than admiring its beauty—it’s about feeling its fragility. Inspired by the iconic Earthrise photograph captured during the Apollo 8 mission, Van Herpen’s Fall 2021 couture collection is more than just a celebration of our planet—it’s a passionate plea to protect it

Van Herpen sought to create a couture collection that not only honored the beauty of the Earth but also raised awareness about the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry. Her goal was to use fashion as a platform for activism, merging art, science, and sustainability to call attention to pressing environmental issues, such as ocean pollution and the impact of fashion’s wasteful practices.

The Earthrise collection was not just a visual spectacle; it was a call to action. By blending innovation with sustainability, Van Herpen proved that fashion could be both beautiful and responsible. The designs highlighted the importance of using materials that are environmentally conscious, transforming pollution into art. The collection became a powerful statement, urging the fashion industry to reconsider its practices and advocating for a future where sustainability is at the heart of design.