the dream sequence

Iris van Herpen's S/S 12 collection channelled the late Alexander Mcqueen. A theatrical ambition was met by flawless costuming and execution. The concept on the runway, where each look walked solo under dimmed lighting and otherworldly music, was cohesive and focused, a rare quality in contemporary "conceptual" designers. Each look told the story of a dream or nightmare in which each model found herself trapped. Earning the applause of the public every time they would set foot on the catwalk, the models were particularly gracious when sporting the creations down the corridor—another nod to van Herpen's masterful technique. The final look of the runway saw jaws drop as an ebony skinned vision walked down the runway in a skeleton-inspired sartorial sculpture, earning the respect of every member of the audience.