Spiber and Iris van Herpen Showcase Innovative Collaboration at Paris Haute Couture 2025

YAMAGATA, Japan, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking fusion of art and technology, Japanese biotech firm Spiber Inc., renowned for its pioneering work in man-made protein fibers, partnered with esteemed Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen to unveil a unique bridal look during the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter 2025. This collaboration embodies a revolutionary dialogue between biomaterial innovation and haute couture, marking a significant step in the evolution of sustainable fashion.

The partnership between Spiber and Van Herpen is not merely a fleeting moment in the fashion industry; it represents a profound philosophical alignment between two entities dedicated to redefining the relationship between nature, technology, and creativity. Both organizations, established in 2007, have pursued paths of radical experimentation in their respective fields—Spiber in the realm of biomaterials and Van Herpen in avant-garde design.

Spiber's innovative material, Brewed Protein™, serves as the foundation for Van Herpen's bridal look. This unique fiber, the first man-made protein fiber to achieve successful industrialization, is crafted through precision fermentation, closely mimicking natural materials such as spider silk and cashmere. According to Kazuhide Sekiyama, Co-founder and Representative Executive Officer of Spiber, "Our Brewed Protein™ fiber embodies the essence of our curiosity and desire for exploration, allowing us to create materials that not only meet the needs of designers but also inspire emotional connections with the wearer."

Iris van Herpen, whose designs are characterized by a deep reverence for nature, remarked on the synergy of their collaboration, stating, "Fusing the organic with the innovative, we recreate nature's way of making a material, which results in a fabric that possesses an attractive, organic presence. The sensorial qualities of Brewed Protein™ fiber align seamlessly with my design ethos."

The bridal ensemble features sheer organza cut into moon-shaped gradients, heat-bonded to laser-cut Brewed Protein™ fabric bonings. Hundreds of intricately stitched white coral petals cascade down into a translucent train, creating a breathtaking visual narrative that encapsulates the innovative spirit of the collaboration.

The implications of this partnership extend beyond the runway. Both Spiber and Van Herpen advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration as essential to tackling the multifaceted challenges facing the fashion industry and the environment. Their collective vision aims to inspire a new paradigm in fashion where sustainability, creativity, and technology coexist.

Looking ahead, the teams intend to further explore the boundaries of material innovation, driven by a shared ambition to redefine what fashion can be. This collaboration serves not only as a remarkable artistic achievement but also as a blueprint for future endeavors in sustainable fashion, potentially influencing the broader industry landscape.

Established in Yamagata, Japan, in 2007, Spiber is committed to developing sustainable solutions through biomaterial innovation. The company’s Brewed Protein™ material platform exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability and circular economy principles by minimizing ecological impact through resource-efficient production processes. Van Herpen, a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture since 2010, has consistently merged innovative techniques with traditional couture craftsmanship, producing designs that reflect the complexity of the natural world.

As the fashion industry continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the collaboration between Spiber and Iris van Herpen stands as a testament to the potential of biomaterials to reshape the future of fashion—a future where innovation is deeply intertwined with sustainability and a respect for nature.