Sonam X Iris

From a common love for dance and growing up in a family steeped in the arts, to nerding over nature and its wonders, couturier Iris van Herpen and actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja catch up over a Zoom call between London and Amsterdam. Akanksha Kamath listens in

- Akanksha Kamath

Couture is what couture does—it is emotional, considered, crafted with the utmost care and, in Dutch designer Iris van Herpen’s case, it is where opposing forces come together. She has created couture with recycled plastic, digitally printed clothing, and harnessed kinetic energy in calf-length dresses. The couturier’s latest co-conspirator and creative collaborator, Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, wears a look from the haute couture spring/summer 2021 collection and turns interviewer to the dreamweaver. Excerpts from the conversation:

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: When I saw your clothes a couple of years ago, I was so moved. I find them romantic and innovative at the same time. Simultaneously old and new…

Iris van Herpen: Yes, I think it’s beautiful to think about time and evolution in a non-linear way. I have a passion for the craftsmanship that goes into fashion and all the incredible people that have evolved craftsmanship through time. But I also want to add the here and now to it. I’m trying to learn from the past while looking to the future.

SKA: Across your various collections, there’s an emphasis on movement, and how the garment moves. Is that because of your background as a ballet dancer?

IVH: Dance has always inspired me. Not only classical ballet but many forms of dance. My mother was a dance teacher. It’s that transformation of the body and the beautiful relationship that we have between our mind and our body that intrigues me. I’m still looking for that energy within my garments— that transformative energy that a woman can have and radiate.