Some people’s perception of clothing can be confined to strictly referring to garments made out of different textiles and fabrics, but have pieces made out of 3D printed items ever crossed their minds? 3D printing is the practice of creating 3D objects made out of different materials such as plastic, nylon or ABS, amongst others, through a digital program. This practice is mostly used to create mock-ups, automotive parts, dentures and even buildings, amongst others. However, an odd application of it is it’s use in the fashion world as a tool to create truly unique designs.
Iris van Herpen is one of the world’s first designers recognized for her use of 3D printing technologies in her creations. The following look presented above is called Liquid Labyrinths which was made using “3D laser cut silk dendrites”. Her looks seem out-worldly and often mimic shapes found in nature. In the following Youtube video, she explains how she lets her creativity flow and uses this technology to achieve her vision.
This technology let’s designers express themselves and create designs that they maybe couldn’t have done before. It can be combined with other materials and technologies and leaves an endless gamma of new possibilities. Anouk Wipprecht is an innovator in this field; she combines fashion with 3D printing and engineering creating one of a kind looks. Below one of her creations.
3D Printing is just starting to find its place in fashion. Designers are starting to take notice and incorporating this practice into their designs. Hopefully, we’ll see this trend appear much more in runways allowing for new and exciting designs to take over the industry.
La Elixiere 