Made Us Look: 3D Printed Couture Hits the Runway
Now this has to be the best union of fashion and technology we’ve seen in a while. Welcome to the world of 3D printed couture! And you thought neon pixelated leopard print was haute ;)
Dutch designer Iris van Herpen has left her sewing machine beyond (okay, not entirely) in favor of the hottest fabricator around, a 3D printer. Van Herpen has been designing these crazy frocks for performers like Lady Gaga and Bjork, but this is the first time we’re seeing 3D printed clothing hit the runway.
This collection, entitled Wilderness Embodied, was inspired by a collaboration with artist Jolan van der Wiel and inspired by sculptor David Altmejd. Both artists focus on wild organic forms, and the dresses “are generated by the phenomenon of attraction and repulsion.” Van Herpen worked with architect Isaie Bloch to develop this 3D printed collection, which includes both flexible and static forms.
And here’s the kicker: These garments are created with a printable fabric that is flexible, durable, and can even be tossed into the washing machine. How crazy is that? So far, the major barrier is the rather stiff style of each of these garments. One couldn’t really throw on a 3D printed bustier and hit up their local coffee shop.
Of course, the implications of 3D printed clothing are even more exciting than the crazy shapes you see in this post. What if you could simply plug your measurements into a 3D printer and get a completely bespoke garment, made just for you? This could also make it possible for fashion startups to produce prototypes in a jiffy, and even small batch collections.
What do you think of this “tech couture” collection? What about the implications this has for 3D printed clothing in general? Talk to us in the comments below.