Iris van Herpen Debuts Stunning Bioluminescent Algae Dress That Was Grown, Not Sewn

Beneath the low lights of Paris Couture Week, designer Iris van Herpen debuted what felt like a living myth: a gown of glowing algae.

Dubbed the “living dress,” it’s woven from millions of bioluminescent microalgae, each thriving within a custom liquid matrix.

It pulses softly in electric blue, responding to movement like a creature breathing light.

Made from over 125 million algae, the dress comes alive in the dark, and with the wearer’s movement.

Called the “living dress,” it blends science, art, and fashion into something otherworldly.

After the model debuted the dress, the showstopper was revealed. The stunning cape unfurls, and pulses with light, almost like its captured bolts of lightning.

The glowing gown was co-created with biodesigner Chris Bellamy, who teamed up with van Herpen five months ago.

To bring the algae to life, they were grown in seawater baths, then embedded in a protective, liquid-filled membrane, which is the dress itself.

When not worn, the living fabric rests in its own custom habitat, a glass immersion tank that carefully regulates light, humidity, and temperature to keep the algae thriving.

While we are not destined to see bioluminescent clothing on store shelves anytime soon, we love the experimentation, creativity, and beauty of this living piece of art.

See more, including a behind-the-scenes look at the formation of this amazing outfit on Iris van Herpen’s website.

Images via Iris van Herpen, AP, Getty.