Maximilian Raynor turned the Internet into a dress

Where does the Internet originate, and how is it so easy to connect to it every day? Equinix, a global leader in digital infrastructure, sought to answer these questions by collaborating with London-based designer Maximilian Raynor. The goal? To celebrate the network of connections that links people, industries, and countries worldwide. The result of this partnership was unveiled during the pre-show of Raynor's first runway show on February 20, at the heart of London Fashion Week: a dress that materializes the Internet in physical form, crafted from materials sourced directly from Equinix’s London data centers. Named The Personification of the Internet, this creation is the first of its kind to be showcased at a Fashion Week. The base fabric consists of 3,600 meters of network cables, equivalent to the length of 72 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The contrast between the futuristic appearance of the cables and traditional artisanal techniques—such as weaving and crochet—turns the dress into a powerful symbol, revealing where the Internet truly comes from.

The dress, made from internet cables, nuts, and bolts recovered from Equinix’s London data centers, is an extreme example of wearable technology. Raynor, known for his experimental approach to materials—previously worn by stars such as Chappell Roan, Ellie Goulding, and Rita Ora—spent 640 hours (about six months) transforming an abstract concept into a high-fashion garment. “Experimenting with unusual materials and discovering new techniques to bring them to life was an exciting challenge,” says Raynor. “Luxury fabrics aren’t always necessary to create something beautiful. Sometimes, the combination of unconventional elements and a hands-on, DIY design approach can lead to truly surprising results. In this case, we’ve taken wearable technology to a whole new level. I hope this project inspires other creators while also helping the public better understand where the Internet ‘lives’.” As Bruce Owen, President EMEA of Equinix, explained, the goal of this collaboration was to explore a fundamental aspect of the digital world through a tangible representation, challenging the notion that the Internet exists solely in a virtual space. The dress thus becomes a symbol of the physical connections that sustain online life, highlighting how technology remains deeply anchored in the material world.