According to the artist Alexander Reed, the Butterfly Dress functions:

as an insulating layer between their wearer and the outside world, are in the perfect position to instigate conversations beyond branding and style.


The dress itself is embedded with three electrodes that listen for your heartbeat and map the data to control the movement of the butterflies. The dress is also aware of the proximity to other people (and objects I assume). As you approach the wearer, the butterflies rise in greeting.

Alex has taken the steps to make the dress washable. All electronic components are removable.

Here is a link to a nice overview on how the dress was built.