Iris van Herpen looked to advances in DNA engineering and female forms in mythology when imagining this sculptural couture collection.
The Dutch fashion designer showcased her Shift Souls collection at the Musee des Beaux-Arts this week as part of the haute couture shows in Paris, alongside a laser light installation by contemporary artist Nick Verstand.

Each of the 18 garments, which featured voluminous spheres, elaborately waved forms and laser-cut detailing, were inspired by human-animal hybrids.
The collection's warm colour palette ranged from shades of indigo and purple to ochre and yellow, and included prints that created optical illusions to "distort the body".

Van Herpen thinks the subject of hybrid creatures is important given recent scientific breakthroughs in genetic engineering. "With the advances in DNA engineering and the first successful creations of human-animal hybrids called cybrids, the mythological dreams of humankind since the dawn of civilisation are shifting to the canvas of science," said the brand.
"While the scientific and ethical implications of cybrids are still unclear, this collection expresses the fact that this reality is upon us."

One piece, made in collaboration with artist and former NASA engineer Kim Keever, featured photographs of "vaporous coloured clouds" printed onto translucent organza and layered to create blurred patterns.
Another look was made of gradient-dyed silk fabrics layered agai...