Iris van Herpen showcased a dress featuring 125 million bioluminescent algae during Paris Haute Couture Week. The algae, called Pyrocystis Fusiformis, are encapsulated in a nutrient gel for longevity and react to movement, emitting a bluish glow. The dress belongs to the Sympoiesis collection, reflecting a coral-inspired design. Biodesigner Christopher Bellamy collaborated with van Herpen, leveraging living microorganisms studied for over nine months prior to the show. The glowing effect begins softly but intensifies with movement, embodying themes related to nature and circadian rhythms in fashion.
The collaboration between Iris van Herpen and Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted allows the two to tap into the capabilities of living microorganisms such as algae. Back in 2024, the biodesigner worked on and researched the bioluminescent microalgae for just about over nine months.
The dress with bioluminescent algae forms part of the collection Sympoiesis, the recent series from Iris van Herpen shown in Paris Haute Couture Week.
As the wearer moves, the dress glows gently, emitting a bluish glow that lights up in the dark.
The same algae now flows through the Sympoiesis dress of Iris van Herpen during the Paris Haute Couture Week, which runs between July 7th and 10th, 2025.
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