Champagne house Dom Pérignon is constantly in the spotlight for its collaborative projects with a variety of cutting-edge creators, from Karl Lagerfeld to the Japanese anime production company Gainax. This winter, the brand has chosen Iris Van Herpen, the cutting-edge fashion designer who won the Grand Prix at France's ANDAM Fashion Awards in 2014, as its partner. This time, she has announced a bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, a limited edition gift box, and a special art piece. The "Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 Iris Van Herpen Gift Box" (¥21,000) and the "Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003 Iris Van Herpen Gift Box" (¥41,000) are available at major department stores nationwide in Japan. We spoke to Iris Van Herpen, who visited Japan for the launch, about this project.


--First of all, what specific impression did you have of Dom Pérignon?

Dom Pérignon's history and worldview are powerful and full of creativity. I also visited the Dom Pérignon cellars in Epernay, France, and learned a lot about champagne from Chief Winemaker Richard Geoffroy. Champagne undergoes various changes during its long fermentation process before eventually reaching its peak of maturity. I understood that this is how Dom Pérignon's identity is forged.

Watching Richard speak passionately about champagne was like writing poetry. I have also incorporated this wonderful experience in Epernay into my work visually.

--The theme (of this project) is "metamorphosis." What inspired you to create this word? This word, which carries connotations of transformation, rebirth, and evolution, inspired me to use the cocoon motif as a symbol of the transformation found in nature. The art piece uses materials and silhouettes to depict the process of a silkworm slowly transforming into a butterfly within a cocoon, with Dom Pérignon nestled within. Doesn't this evolution over time overlap with the Dom Pérignon fermentation process? Your collections are known for using cutting-edge technology. Is this also the case with this collection? Infusing technology with organic and craft elements has always been a theme in my creations. This time, I used a 3D printer, which is essential for realizing complex, three-dimensional designs, to represent winemaking, which is an organic practice. Contrary to common misconceptions, technology and the organic are not polar opposites to me. They are necessary for balance and complement each other. Was there anything new you attempted this time?

I previously collaborated with designer Jolan Van der Wiel on a piece based on the concept of magnetic fields. This time, I've taken it a step further, designing a cocoon silhouette based on the structure of magnetic fields. The mysterious texture, reminiscent of the cocoonase (mucus) excreted by silkworms, was achieved using a liquid metal called "Ferroflutes," developed for NASA.

--The gift box you designed at the same time is also lovely.

The gift box features a cocoon design, meticulously recreated down to the smallest detail. The deep green is a symbol of nature and also a color evocative of the champagne-making process.

At first glance, this design appears symmetrical, but upon closer inspection, you'll see that it's not. The same is true for art pieces. In nature, many things that appear symmetrical from a distance are actually asymmetrical, like fingerprints.

--What does collaboration mean to you?

It's something that inspires me. Being exposed to new ways of thinking allows you to break down the preconceived notions and habits you have held up until now. I have collaborated with creators from a variety of genres in the past, and I am grateful to have been given such a wonderful opportunity once again.

--Did you get any inspiration from Japan during your visit this time?

Of course! First of all, there aren't many tall buildings in the Netherlands where I live, so I was very excited to be able to enjoy the panoramic view from a tall building. I was impressed by Japanese culture, language, food, attention to detail, the mixture of old and new, and how peaceful it is despite being a big city. The art galleries and museums are also very interesting.