When Light Meets Fashion: Arzu Kaprol’s Journey into Fiber-Optic Design
The fashion world is continuously redefining its boundaries as technology evolves at lightning speed. Today, fabrics are no longer limited to their woven structures; they transform into mediums of expression through light, data, and energy. One of the pioneers of this transformation is designer Arzu, who elevates fashion into a living art form through her innovative creations powered by fiber optic technology. Brought to life in collaboration with Fiberli, this special collection demonstrates how light can harmonize with the rhythm of the human body. In this interview, we dive into Arzu’s creative process, her emotional and artistic connection with light, and how she seamlessly integrates technology into the world of haute couture.
1. Ms. Arzu, how did the story of these illuminated dresses begin? Where did the idea of blending fashion with technology come from?
Arzu Kaprol – For me, fashion has never been just about aesthetics; it has always been a space for reading the future, transforming it, and redefining boundaries. The story of the illuminated dresses actually began very early in this vision—about 15 years ago. In the late 2000s, I believed that fashion shouldn’t be nourished solely by fabric and form, but also by new materials like data, light, and technology. The interaction between human movement and light fascinated me. The flexibility of fiber optic cables, the energy they carry, and the way light can be treated like a material opened a new door in my design language.
The first major moment when these ideas took shape was my “Archeology of the Future” show at Paris Fashion Week in 2010. A fully black, technological collection created with leather, plexiglass, and fiber optic details. Using light as a design element on a stage considered the “Champions League” of fashion was a technological and aesthetic revolution for me. Since that day, light has become a powerful expressive tool in my design vocabulary. The idea of merging fashion with technology was born both from my curiosity about the future and my desire to make the body’s energy visible. Fiber optic material became the most elegant medium through which this dream could come to life.
2. In your creations, light appears as a powerful metaphor. What does light represent for you?
Arzu Kaprol – For me, light is not just an illumination tool; it is the purest expression of energy, knowledge, and transformation. When I use light in design, I aim to make the invisible visible. Light is like a language that reflects the power, emotion, and movement carried by the human body. Light flowing through the texture of a fabric, the form of a dress, or the rhythm of a body represents the flow of life, the dynamism of the future, and the technological transformation of our age. Light is both poetic and scientific—a duality that aligns perfectly with my design philosophy.
3. What was your reason for choosing Fiberli’s fiber optic cables for this collection? What drew you to this material?
Arzu Kaprol – In the world of technological couture, every material I choose is a critical decision that defines the spirit of the design. When it comes to fiber optics, I seek three fundamental qualities: flexibility, durability, and uninterrupted, powerful light transmission. When I first encountered Fiberli’s fiber optic cables, I immediately saw that all three qualities were present.
I use light in garments not as a simple visual effect but almost like a “living organism.” Therefore, fiber optics must behave harmoniously with fabric, leather, and the movement of the body. Fiberli’s material attracted me precisely for this reason—it adapts to the delicate details of the design and maintains its performance under stage lighting, long usage periods, and dynamic choreography. One of the most important factors that drew me to this material was the purity and seamless flow of the light. In Fiberli’s fiber optics, light travels very clearly, strongly, and with great control. This allows me to express the emotional world of the design exactly as I imagine it.
4. How would you describe the relationship fiber optic cables establish with fabric, the human body, and movement?
Arzu Kaprol – I can define the relationship fiber optic cables form with fabric and the body as “visible energy.” When they meet fabric, they offer a refined flexibility; when they sit on the body, they provide freedom of movement; and with every step and turn, they have the ability to direct the light.
5. During your collaboration with Fiberli, what technical or aesthetic contribution impressed you the most?
Arzu Kaprol – What impressed me the most while working with Fiberli was the perfect harmony between the material’s technical precision and its aesthetic flexibility. Regardless of the movement on stage or the intensity of the light, the fiber optic cables always show consistent performance. As a designer, this allowed me to create bolder and more original ideas without limiting my imagination.
6. As a designer, how have technological materials opened new forms of expression compared to classic fabrics?
Arzu Kaprol – Working with technological materials has opened doors that are impossible with traditional fabrics. Fiber optic cables allow me to express my designs not only as forms, but also through light and movement. With every step, every turn, the light of the garment changes—colors and rhythms shift. This makes the dresses become alive, interacting with the audience. Fashion is no longer just a visual but becomes an experience.
7. Where do you think light-driven wearable art will stand in the future of fashion?
Arzu Kaprol – I believe light-driven wearable art will increasingly find its place as a field that expands the boundaries of fashion. Unlike traditional garments, these are not just clothes; they are an experience and a communication tool. People will care not only about what they wear, but also how they look, how they feel, and how they interact with their surroundings.
