Overview

• At the Sympoiesis show, Van Herpen unveiled a gown animated by 125 million living Pyrocystis lunula algae that glow in response to movement.
• The project was executed over four months through a 35-step biofabrication process in collaboration with biodesigner Chris Bellamy, the University of Amsterdam and the Francis Crick Institute.
• Algae are suspended in a custom seaweed-based nutrient gel and encapsulated in a breathable membrane that sustains microbial health and dynamic bioluminescence.
• Following the runway debut, the dress has been preserved under strictly controlled temperature, light and humidity settings that mimic its native seawater habitat.
• Preliminary trials show dress samples remain viable for more than a year as the team explores long-term applications for living materials in couture.