3D printing is a process of making a three dimensional item from a digital model. The basic idea is that 3D printing adds successive layers of material to form the shape. There are a number of different approaches to 3D printing; SLS (selective laser sintering), SLA (Stereo Lithography) and FDM (fused deposition modeling).
3D printing has been used in a variety of different fields like industrial design, architecture, automotive, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, food, etc. I would like to focus on 3D printing and the fashion industry; particularly clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
Iris Van Herpen
Featured about is Iris Van Herpen most notable and celebrated 3D fashion works from her initial collection “Crystallization”. This initial collection set the bar high within the additive fashion world which was featured in Amsterdams Fashion Week in July 2010. Below is some of innovative designer Iris Van Herpen’s most recent work in 2013; she collaborated with designer Neri Oxman and Austrian architect Julia Koerner during her runway show at Paris Fashion Week in January 2013.
MYBF & The Laser Girls
Since the debut of this collection other designers have been inspired; like MYBF (my best friend) designed by Orlando Fernandez Flores, the collection of 3D jewelry plays host to 3D diamond rings, necklaces and bracelets. Coined ‘a girl’s best friend’, the inspiration behind this innovative collection is that of “a modern, yet ironic, tribute to impressive medieval jewelry”.
2013 and 2014 has also seen an abundance of new nail art techniques including the use of 3D nails created by two New York City digital artists Sarah C. Awad and Dhemerae Ford working jointly under the name The Laser Girls.
Dario Scapitta
The necklace, “Extraveganza Collier” by Dario Scapitta, utilized 3D printing technology to showcase a modern interpretation of the ancient ruffs used primarily in the XVI and XVII centuries. This piece was shown at the 3D Print Show in London and Paris in November 2013 with a variety of other 3D printed inspired fashion designers.
Conclusions
Fashion designers from Viktor & Rolf to Alexander Mcqueen have been known for their innovative use of fabric techniques and creating 3D shapes, but have never integrated 3D printing techniques. The use of 3D printing in the fashion world makes new techniques infinite; right now I feel that 3D printing is showcasing wearable art— how will RTW designers utilize this new technology? Can 3D printing in fashion be reinvented into everyday casual wear?
Furthermore, how will this technology effect fashion when it becomes mainstream? If we are able to design and print our own 3D pieces will fashion designers and couture houses be affected? Lets discuss; leave a comment below on your thoughts.
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