Coperni has yet to decide how many RLP Swipe Bags will be put into production, but for Meyer, starting a conversation around these innovations is more important than immediate commercial success. “It’s about subtly enhancing our lives in ways that feel natural. In ways that aren’t necessarily obvious, but impactful,” he says. “Above all, I want to use the show to platform scientists and technologies that could make the industry better.”
This isn’t Coperni’s first foray into viral, tech-driven fashion innovations. The brand first gained international recognition for its internet-breaking “spray-on dress,” which captivated audiences at Paris Fashion Week in 2022.
Made from a liquid fabric called Fabrican, it was sprayed directly onto supermodel Bella Hadid’s body, solidifying upon contact to form a wearable garment. The dress generated more than $22 million in earned media value, but many overlooked the deeper message behind its creation. Beyond its visual spectacle, the spray-on dress was a sustainable innovation—machine washable, re-liquefiable, and reusable.
“We see it as our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion,” says Meyer. “A designer’s duty is to improve and find new solutions, not just for aesthetics, but for practicality and sustainability.”
Their iconic Swipe Bag (inspired by the ‘swipe to unlock’ icon of an iPhone) has become a platform for scientific experimentation. The founders consistently push new frontiers in sustainability and wearability each season. Previous collaborations include a project with professor Ioannis Michaloudis from the American University of Cyprus, to create a bag made from aerogel—a barely-there material that is 99 percent air, can withstand temperatures up to 1,300°C (2,372°F), and was previously used in space by Nasa to catch interstellar dust.
Sci-Fi Fashion
At the core of these innovations is Meyer’s love for science fiction. As a self-proclaimed “geek,” he draws inspiration from sci-fi’s imaginative worlds, which often serve as blueprints for future technology. Last season’s Coperni collection was an ode to the genre, featuring references to iconic sci-fi films such as Star Wars, Dune, and The Matrix.
But, for the brand, fashion isn’t just about creating visually stunning pieces, it’s about building worlds that help the audience visualize the future, making it one step realer in the process. “It’s beautiful how sometimes you can do something that is unfamiliar or unknown, but when there is emotion, people react well to new ideas,” says Vaillant.
In an era where AI advances regularly outpace public understanding, brands such as Coperni and visionaries like Walt Disney are a reminder that the real magic happens when imagination and innovation are combined, and then technology brings those dreams to life.
