Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen introduced her innovative “Airo” dress at the Met Gala, presenting a unique blend of fashion, technology, and art. The outfit was worn by Eileen Gu, an internationally known freestyle skier and fashion model who has gained global recognition for her achievements on the slopes and her presence in the fashion world.
The dress was developed in collaboration with artists A.A. Murakami and was inspired by this year’s theme, which explored the atomic structure of the human body. The concept behind the design reflects the idea that the human body is made up of 99.9% empty space, visually represented through delicate, floating iridescent bubbles.
What makes the “Airo” dress particularly remarkable is its use of advanced technology. Microprocessors embedded within the garment control the release of pressurized gas and bubbles. This entire process is managed through a digital interface and functions independently, allowing the dress to transform dynamically while being worn.
The outfit features around 15,000 hand-shaped iridescent glass bubbles, each carefully attached using ultraviolet light. As part of its design, the dress gradually releases these bubbles into the air, creating a visually striking, constellation-like effect that captured attention on the red carpet.
