Futuristic Fashion
More Designers Using 3-D Printing to Create Clothing, Accessories.
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| (Photo : REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) |
Is the sewing machine on its way to becoming a thing of the past?
Recently, 3-D-printed articles of clothing and accessories have become increasingly popular, and it seems as if this unique method of creating could one day replace the sewing machine as the favored tool among fashion designers.
When the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show aired last Tuesday night, those watching it might have noticed an outfit worn by American model Lindsay Ellingson that consisted of a corset, bustle and arm pieces that were designed to look like snowflakes and created using a 3-D printer. British beauty Cara Delevingne also donned a pair of computer-generated angel wings during the show.
Prior to that, 3-D printing was also used on an episode of "Project Runway" when a contestant created printed belts. Dutch designer Iris van Herpen also recently showed a 3-D-printed collection called Voltage. Additionally, Neiman Marcus now sells items from Shapeways, a 3-D marketplace, on its website.
Bradley Rothenberg, the architect who collaborated with Victoria's Secret to create the 3-D garments worn by Ellingson and Delevingne, said this emerging technology has the potential to change the way in which clothing is made and how it fits.
"Clothing can be custom and even specific to your body," Rothenberg told the New York Times.
"The other advantage for 3-D printing with textiles is the level of complexity. When you think of constructing with a sewing machine, you're always thinking in terms of the thread. With 3-D printing you're not limited to that. Imagine having a knit sweater mixed with a T-shirt mixed with a jacket," he added.
Another added benefit to using 3-D printing techniques is that they speed up the process in which shoppers can get their hands on hot items.
"The technology allowed me to revolutionize the timeline," said fashion designer Kimberly Ovitz, who enlisted help from Shapeways to design rings and other accessories to complement her women's clothing line.
"People could look at my jewelry on the runway and get it in two weeks. And they could customize the material and color."
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