Visionary designer Iris Van Herpen sets the bar incredibly high at Couture Week with her Spring Summer collection “Roots of Rebirth.”  Revered for combining cutting edge technology with breathtaking artistic flair, Herpen’s latest creations take inspiration from the vastly interconnected world of fungi and subterranean life forms.

A variety of innovative techniques were implemented to give each look spore-like movement. The designer used her “henosis” technique on two pieces — one worn by Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova — dying translucent layers of fabric in an array of pastels for a mantis-esque appearance. Lasercut technology gave garments delicate fins and gills, while other pieces relied on hand embroidering for a rootlike effect. Sustainable practices were the foundation of one piece, using upcycled marine debris to create an intricate tessellated pattern.

Herpen opted for a more traditional runway video, letting the details of her pieces stand out against a black backdrop. Each look seemed to bloom from the soil-like floor.