Revolutionizing High Fashion: Iris van Herpen’s 3D-Printed Shoes Debut at Paris Couture Week

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A few months ago, we discussed a new technology in shoe manufacturing — 3D printing. It was a cool new concept that was slowly being developed back then.

But we have discovered that haute couture designer Iris van Herpen has executed it in her recent collections shown at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

The Dutch designer is already known for her 3D experiments on exotic and innovative dresses, but in her last two shows, “Voltage” and “Wilderness Embodied,” displaying her spring-summer 2013 and autumn-winter 2013/14 collections, respectively, she also played with 3D-printed shoes.

If those credentials don’t impress you, maybe the fact that she has designed outfits for avant-garde singer Lady Gaga and fashion icon Daphne Guinness might do the trick. So, don’t be surprised if you see Lady Gaga in some 3D-printed footwear soon.

They’ll probably look something like the shoes below.

Voltage (Spring/Summer 2013) Collection

For the Voltage Collection, van Herpen developed one style of 3D shoes in two different colors — black and beige.

It was an edgy, glossy pair of platform boots that we could easily picture Lady Gaga wearing in concert (only she could pull off such a funky pair). What do you think?

Iris van Herpen’s “Voltage” Collection was showcased at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week held in Paris, France, on January 21, 2013

Iris Van Herpen SS14 Collection B

The haute couture creations of Iris van Herpen for the "Voltage" CollectionThe haute couture creations of Iris van Herpen for the “Voltage” Collection (Credit: Iris van Hepren / Marcio Madeira / News Pictures / WENN)

Funky 3D-printed shoes by van Herpen for Voltage

Funky 3D-printed shoes by van Herpen for Voltage

Funky 3D-printed shoes by van Herpen for VoltageFunky 3D-printed shoes by van Herpen for “Voltage” (Credit: Iris van Hepren / Marcio Madeira / News Pictures / WENN)

Wilderness Embodied (Autumn/Winter 2013/14) Collection

For her autumn-winter collection, Iris goes for another pair of boots. It is edgier and more unique than the above pair, plus it looks harder to walk in.

We can still picture Lady Gaga rocking them, though. She (and only she) can work them in our opinion. Can you think of any other celebrity who would do these chic shoes justice?

Iris van Herpen’s “Wilderness Embodied” Collection was presented at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris, France, on July 1, 2013

The Autumn/Winter 2013/14 collection by Iris van Herpen

The Autumn/Winter 2013/14 collection by Iris van HerpenThe Autumn/Winter 2013/14 collection by Iris van Herpen (Credit: Iris van Hepren / Marcio Madeira / News Pictures / WENN)

Unique boots fit for an avant-garde singer like Lady Gaga

Unique boots fit for an avant-garde singer like Lady Gaga

Unique boots fit for an avant-garde singer like Lady GagaUnique boots fit for an avant-garde singer like Lady Gaga (Credit: Iris van Hepren / Marcio Madeira / News Pictures / WENN)

What do you think of these funky 3D-printed shoes? Aren’t they perfect for Lady Gaga?