The Tech Behind Mona Patel's Iconic Met Gala Looks

One of the many exciting applications of technology is in fashion. Mona Patel, an entrepreneur with an MBA from MIT, has become known for Met Gala looks that fuse high fashion with tech elements. Mona's journey to becoming one of the most talked-about fashion tech innovators didn't start on a runway. It began with a visit to the Met exhibition “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” which opened her eyes to fashion's artistry.

In an exclusive interview with Girls Who Code, Mona shared the unexpected inspiration and the complex engineering and design work behind three of her Met Gala outfits. She talks about a lotus-flower design, inspired by her Indian heritage, that used mechanics to mimic the flower's opening and closing; an Alexander McQueen-inspired creation paired with a robotic dog that challenged engineers; and a deeply personal look inspired by her family’s love for an iconic Leonardo da Vinci piece, inspired by her family. She also recounts the near-disasters, last-minute adjustments, and the collaborators, including Iris van Herpen, Thom Browne, and Dolce & Gabbana, who helped bring each concept to life.

Watch the video to learn how each look came together, how the outfits inspired what she is building next, and her advice for girls and women.