Iris Van Herpen created some wondrous creatures of fashion in her last collection but for AW08-9, the creatures have evolved, they have grown thin brass rods, meticulously aligned and bent to form something various organic structures around dresses.  These are Herpen's 'Chemical Crows' which quite literally took inspiration from a groups of crows that have nested outside Herpen's studio.  Their intelligence and ability to use tools impelled Herpen to create these structural 'crows' that are also combined with Herpen's fascination with the dark forces of Medieval alchemists who had the ability to turn lead into gold.   As I'm typing this, even I can't quite believe the extraordinary breadth of Herpen's inspirations.  I also can't quite believe the materials involved in this collection which when listed have a sort of dizzying effect; anthracite, black and beige feathers and gold coloured brass, together which take shape in designs that smack of isolated grandeur.  If humans are ever going to take flight, let them be in Iris' crow attire.

I somehow think the catwalk doesn't quite do the designs justice...