From a “spray-on” dress to a show at Disneyland featuring zero gravity bags, few brands have mastered the art of creating buzz like Coperni. Blending technology, art, and an unorthodox approach to runway presentations, Coperni has redefined what it means to make a lasting impression on the world stage. At every major fashion week, the Paris-based label finds new ways to spark conversation and dominate social media feeds, crafting moments that go beyond traditional style showcases to become viral sensations.
But who are the masterminds behind one of the fastest growing brands on the market and what is their story? A deep dive into Coperni’s founders and history will answer some questions regarding the root of all of this creativity. Coperni was established in Paris in 2013 by two stylists, Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant. They first met through their fashion studies at the Mod’Art school in Paris in 2009, and later became the Creative Directors duo of Courreges, with other work experiences also including Balenciaga and Chanel. Sébastien, a fashion design graduate, is the lead in regards to the creative vision, while Arnaud, with a management background, oversees the business side. Together, they bring two distinct perspectives—logic and emotion—that harmonize each other to create a well-balanced brand identity.
The inspiration for the name Coperni came from the “heliocentric theory” of the astronomer Copernicus. It reflects the fashion house’s commitment to innovation, audacity, and a willingness to challenge norms—values embodied by the visionary astronomer. Just as Nicolaus Copernicus revolutionized humanity’s view of the universe by placing the Sun, not Earth, at its center, Coperni seeks to shift paradigms within fashion.From audacious partnerships with tech companies to jaw-dropping stunts that blur the line between fashion and performance art, Coperni’s approach is equal parts innovation and showmanship. “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.”
Indeed, Coperni doesn’t just aim to create clothing but to redefine fashion as a medium that can captivate, innovate, and transform. A prime example of this was their internet-breaking “spray-on dress,” which captivated audiences at Paris Fashion Week in 2022. The dress was made from Fabrican, a liquid fabric that was sprayed right onto Bella Hadid’s body, instantly solidifying into an actual wearable piece. The moment went viral, racking up over $22 million in media buzz! But beyond the wow factor, there was a powerful message here: this spray-on dress wasn’t just a cool stunt—it’s also eco-friendly. The material is machine washable, can be turned back into liquid, and reused, making it a sustainable fashion breakthrough.
Following the viral spray-on dress, expectations for the AW23 Coperni show were high—and they were more than just met. Instead of models opening the scene, a bright yellow robot stole the spotlight, making its way to the front row to greet first-row spectators. Moments later, a group of identical robots appeared, moving dynamically in a way that resembled choreography. As they “danced” down the runway, the first model appeared, dressed in a plain black suit to keep the audience’s attention on the robots that intrigued them. At one point, a model was even undressed by a robot (cf. video). Coperni’s unique techno-chic approach was evident throughout this collection. Once again, the brand employed technology to create an unforgettable spectacle with a compelling message: imagine a future where humans and machines can coexist. According to creative directors Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant, “The show presents Coperni’s vision that there is neither a dominant nor a dominated, but that man and machine can live in harmony.”
Coperni’s most recent show, held at Disneyland , is also a reflection of the brand’s constant strive for what hasn’t been done before. Lines are easily drawn between Mr. Walt Disney, who dedicated his life to imagination and making the impossible possible through
technology—and Coperni’s innovative approach to fashion. One of the most compelling outcomes of this collaboration are the Swipe Bags that were seen at the show, crafted using a groundbreaking technique called Rapid Liquid Print (RLP). Developed by MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab, RLP takes 3D printing to a new level; rather than building layer by layer on a flat surface, it allows designers to “draw” forms within a gel suspension, similar in texture to hair gel or hand sanitizer. This method frees designs from gravitational constraints, enabling the creation of soft, stretchable, and durable items, like the Swipe Bag. Constructed from platinum-cured, recyclable silicone, the Swipe Bag is not only visually striking but also a testament to Coperni’s dedication to sustainability and technological advancement. The RLP process itself is eco-friendly, utilizing nontoxic materials with minimal environmental impact. Although Coperni has yet to determine the production quantity for the RLP Swipe Bag, for Meyer, sparking a broader conversation on innovation and sustainability is a priority over immediate commercial gain : “I want to use the show to platform scientists and technologies that could make the industry better.”
At the core of this thirst for innovation is Meyer’s passion for science fiction. As a self-proclaimed “geek,” Meyer finds endless creative fuel in sci-fi’s visionary worlds, which often serve as blueprints for future technology. Coperni’s last collection was a tribute to the genre, incorporating subtle nods to legendary films like Star Wars, Dune, and The Matrix. For Coperni, fashion is more than just crafting beautiful pieces—it’s about constructing immersive worlds that let audiences glimpse a future that feels just within reach. As AI evolves faster than many can keep up with, brands like Coperni—and visionaries like Walt Disney—remind us that true innovation happens where creativity meets technology, bringing dreams to life in ways once thought impossible.
