At the end of June 2022, I graduated from Antwerp Management School with a degree in International Fashion Management. But where did my journey take me next?
Initially, I found myself asking which direction I wanted to take. Thanks to my previous experience, as well as several courses during both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it quickly became clear that PR, marketing, and branding departments were the perfect fit for me
After around 40 applications, very few replies, and consequently no feedback, I only ended up with three interviews. I quickly realized I needed to change my tactics: leverage your network!
I reached out to the program director of my degree and asked specifically about a label that truly inspired me: Iris van Herpen.
As it turned out, she knew someone from the University of Antwerp who had previously worked with the designer herself. I sent over my application via email, but the process was delayed due to the holiday season. I used this time to look through my LinkedIn network. There, I noticed that through my dual study program, I had connected with someone who was in turn connected to the Head of Sales & Development at Iris van Herpen. After reaching out, I managed to get their email address, which allowed me to speed up the process a bit.
⇒ Tip: Connections make all the difference!
In short, I pulled out all the stops to secure an interview. The effort paid off, and at the end of August 2022, I started an internship in Business/PR at Iris van Herpen in Amsterdam.
Here is a brief introduction to the label:
2007: The Dutch label was founded by Iris van Herpen. From the very beginning, her creations have been worn by highly expressive celebrities, most notably Lady Gaga.
2010: She designed her first 3D-printed garment, which she showcased on the runway at Amsterdam Fashion Week.
Since 2011, Iris van Herpen has been showcasing her creations at the Haute Couture shows in Paris.
2022: Stars like Winnie Harlow, Teyana Taylor, and Fredrik Robertsson wore looks by Iris van Herpen.
My Favorite Collections
Sensory Seas (2020)
Roots of Rebirth (2021)
Architectonics (2023)
Three Highlights of My Internship
- Having the opportunity to see, handle, and present Haute Couture gowns on mannequins up close. I learned how to properly store, ship, and present these fragile, meticulously handcrafted looks.
- In October 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Paris for a shoot with VOGUE GREECE and Schön! Magazines. They had requested a look from the Meta Morphism collection, which it was my responsibility to deliver. I spent the day on the set of the VOGUE shoot in an old, abandoned villa just outside of Paris. Afterward, I met with the stylist from Schön! Magazine to hand over the look
- Working on the major exhibition “SCULPTING THE SENSES” at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (November 29, 2023 – April 28, 2024). Here, we were busy preparing for meetings with the museum and planning the layout of the looks, rooms, and art objects.
The headpiece in the exhibition
In February, I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition in Paris, and you can read all about my impressions and see plenty of photos right here.
I am very grateful for my time in Amsterdam!