Iris van Herpen

Fashion designer Iris van Herpen has been selected as the recipient of this year’s Johannes Vermeer Award, the Netherlands’ annual state prize for the arts. The jury, chaired by Els van der Plas, voted unanimously to nominate Van Herpen, citing her longstanding prominence in the world of international fashion. The jury praised Van Herpen for her pioneering and interdisciplinary designs, in which her exceptional talent and unbridled curiosity lead her to explore innovative digital technologies and traditional craftsmanship. Van Herpen is receiving the award for her entire oeuvre. Minister for Education, Culture and Science Ingrid van Engelshoven presented the award on Monday 20 October 2017 in the Ridderzaal in The Hague.

The Johannes Vermeer Award is the Dutch state prize for the arts. It consists of the sum of 100,000 euros, which the winner may use to fund a special project in his or her specific field. The Dutch government established the award in 2009, its aim being to honour and encourage exceptional artistic talent. The award is intended for artists working in the Netherlands and across all disciplines. Previous laureates are opera director Pierre Audi, filmmaker and writer Alex van Warmerdam, photographer Erwin Olaf, visual artist Marlene Dumas, architect Rem Koolhaas, graphic designer Irma Boom, composer and director Michel van der Aa, and film director and visual artist Steve McQueen.