First Assistant Designer to Iris van Herpen

About the Role

Iris van Herpen is seeking a highly talented Personal Assistant / Designer to work closely alongside her across all creative and operational facets of the maison. This is an exceptional position for a designer whose visual language resonates deeply with Iris’s artistic universe and who thrives in a multidisciplinary and highly detail-oriented creative environment.

As Iris’s right hand, you will be involved in every layer of her process: from early design development to the realization of couture pieces; from Paris Haute Couture Week presentations to international collaborations and traveling exhibitions. You will support both the creative and practical dimensions of Iris’s work, ensuring fluidity, precision, and inspiration throughout.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative & Design Support

• Collaborate directly with Iris on design, sketching, and garment evolution in the atelier.

• Create high-quality design sketches and digital illustrations that reflect the distinctive Iris van Herpen aesthetic.

• Assist in the development of Couture pieces

Collaborations & Exhibitions

• Work with Iris on international museum collaborations, special projects, and traveling exhibitions.

• Prepare visual documents, project overviews, and artwork material for partners and institutions.

• Serve as a trusted liaison between Iris and external collaborators.

• Provide high-level organizational support to ensure seamless creative flow.

Show & Collection Preparation

• Support Iris in the creative and logistical preparation of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture shows.

• Assist during fittings, rehearsals, backstage preparations, and the overall execution of the collections.

• A designer deeply attuned to the Iris van Herpen aesthetic, with a fluency in sculptural shaping, fluid movement, organic structures, and forward-thinking textile innovation.

• Outstanding illustration skills (mandatory)

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (mandatory).

• A deep understanding of couture craftsmanship and material innovation.

• Exceptional sense of for detail and precision.

• Highly organized, proactive, and able to work closely and confidentially with Iris.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage shifting priorities.
  

  Design Task (Mandatory)

  All applicants must submit an illustrated sketch of an new Iris van Herpen–inspired design, created specifically for this application and not based on an existing design.

  • The sketch should reflect your personal interpretation of the Iris van Herpen visual language.

  • AI-generated work is strictly prohibited.