3D printing is conquering the fashion world. Although the pioneering new technology still has limitations, more designers are today experimenting with it and create entirely new looks. This spring, the first 3D print fashion show was organised in New York, showing what the future of fashion might be like, writes Regina Henkel.
The future scenario in the context of 3D printing is like this: every household will have its own 3D printer, and everyone will be able to design and produce their own products by simply printing them. The consumer will become the producer. Even if the consumer downloads the design from the Internet, the production will easily be done by the printer. It is the last phase of the democratisation of fashion, and the final solution for no-waste-production.
Essentially, 3D printing is an additive method: which means layer upon layer completely new structures can be built in three dimensions and seamlessly – without producing any waste. And, without over-production too. The raw materials for 3D printing are in plastics right now, but metals and even biomass are also possible. It’s only a question of time when 3D knitting and 3D cloth will together build one’s new wardrobe.
Fashion pioneers in 3D printing
These new creative possibilities are inspiring fashion. The first 3D print fashion show, which took place in New York as part of ‘3D Print Week’ this spring, is proof. Designers like Melinda Looi and Francis Bitonti, who designed the first 3D dress for burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese two years ago, presented their latest creations at the event. Among the highlights was the evening dress by Looi. The special thing about the dress: it was made of one piece, and consisted of a flexible material. It therefore provided some comfort – at least for a 3D dress. In comparison, the Von Teese dress still consisted of 17 mesh-like pieces which had been put together, polished, painted and decorated by thousands of Swarovski stones by hand. It was rigid, and thus hardly wearable.
