Eileen Gu, known as the "Snow Princess" for her exceptional skiing achievements, captivated attendees at the Met Gala 2026 on the evening of 4/5 (morning of 5/5 Hanoi time). The world's largest fashion event, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, saw Gu debut the innovative Airo dress. This unique garment, crafted from 15,000 bubbles, has the remarkable ability to autonomously release air particles, mimicking the whimsical charm of children's soap bubbles floating through the air.

The Airo dress is a collaborative creation by acclaimed designer Iris van Herpen and artist A.A.Murakami. Hidden beneath its myriad of bubbles are micro-processors that coordinate and release the air particles. This advanced technique allows the entire system to operate independently, responding to the wearer's every movement and gesture. According to Iris van Herpen on Instagram, tens of thousands of individual bubbles were meticulously attached by hand using UV light, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship involved.

Iris van Herpen is a familiar name at the Met Gala, an event renowned for its conceptual fashion and emphasis on performance, thanks to her visionary perspective. The 42-year-old designer, a distinguished protege of the legendary Alexander McQueen, consistently astonishes audiences with her boundless creativity, as noted by Vogue. Her collections often push the boundaries of design, making her a prominent figure in avant-garde fashion.

Eileen Gu paired the bubble dress with transparent plastic sandals. Photo: AFP

Van Herpen is recognized for pioneering the integration of 3D printing into Haute Couture runways as early as 2010. She utilizes laser technology to precisely cut materials into complex and intricate patterns. Furthermore, she is celebrated for creating fabrics that are often described as a "second skin," featuring organic structures that emulate the fluid movements of water, air, and the human body.

Herpen's innovative thermoforming technique is another hallmark of her work, producing designs that resemble living organisms, characterized by their architectural qualities and dynamic movement. She frequently incorporates experimental materials such as carbon fiber, transparent plastic, and bio-inspired substances. Many of her designs draw inspiration from natural structures, including water waves, cellular patterns, and the intricate nervous system.

At 22 years old, Eileen Gu (Gu Ailing) has earned the moniker "Snow Princess" due to her outstanding achievements in global skiing competitions. During the Olympic 2026, she secured one gold medal and two silver medals, setting a record as the most decorated freestyle skier in history with six Olympic medals across two seasons. She also holds the distinction of being the Chinese athlete with the most medals in the history of the Winter Olympics. Xinhua has fittingly described her as a "genius youth."

In addition to 15,000 attached bubbles, the dress can autonomously generate floating air particles. Photo: Instagram Iris van Herpen

Over the past five years, Eileen Gu has become a prominent figure at international fashion weeks, film awards, music ceremonies, and sports galas. She is signed with the IMG modeling agency and has graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and GQ. According to Times of India, she ranks among the world's highest-earning female athletes, with an estimated annual income of USD 23 million, primarily derived from endorsement deals with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Porsche, and IWC.

Sao Mai