Iris van Herpen Honoured with France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Iris van Herpen has been honoured with the prestigious French title of Chevalier de l‘Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, translating to ‘Knight of The Order of Arts and Letters’. This accolade recognises the Dutch designer for her remarkable contributions to the arts industry in both France and worldwide.
The honour was bestowed upon Van Herpen by Olivier Gabet, the director of the Decorative Arts Department at the Louvre, during a ceremony held at the residence of the Dutch ambassador to France, Jan Versteeg.
In his speech, Gabet lauded Van Herpen for her innovative fusion of fashion with art, science, and nature. He described her collections as “complete works of art” that embody both “strength and tranquillity.” Gabet also highlighted the recent five-month retrospective exhibition ‘Sculpting the Senses’ at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, an exhibition he initiated before it traveled to other regions.
Van Herpen expressed her gratitude and surprise during her acceptance speech, stating she was “overwhelmed” by the recognition. She shared her passion for connecting different worlds and emphasized the significant role Paris, which she considers her second home, plays in bridging the cultural gap between France and the Netherlands. “Connecting different worlds has always been my passion and Paris, my second home, plays a crucial role in bridging the cultural gap between France and the Netherlands,” Van Herpen remarked.
The Chevalier de l‘Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is a highly regarded honour within the fashion and arts community. Van Herpen now joins an esteemed group of past recipients, including designers Giambattista Valli, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and the late fashion editor André Leon Talley.
Van Herpen’s work is celebrated for its avant-garde approach, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to create ethereal and innovative designs. Her collections often draw inspiration from a diverse array of disciplines, making her a unique and influential figure in the fashion world.
This recognition serves as a testament to Van Herpen’s enduring impact on the arts and her continued influence in bridging the realms of fashion, science, and nature. The honour underscores her commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and her dedication to fostering cultural exchange through her work.
As Van Herpen continues to inspire and innovate, her contribution to the arts remains invaluable, solidifying her place among the leading figures in contemporary fashion and design.