It’s New York Fashion Week over here and, like always, we’re anxious to see if any 3D printed pieces make their way down the runway. From dresses to shoes to accessories, more designers are turning to 3D printing to create designs that will make their collections stand out. Using new materials and techniques to create (sometimes) wearable pieces that inspire, designers are continuously pushing the boundaries of fashion through the use of this technology.
While we stalk Instagram and wait to see what comes down the runway this season, here’s a look at some of our favorite moments in 3D printed fashion thus far:
First entire 3D printed collection
Recently, Israeli fashion designer Danit Peleg became the first designer to create an entire collection at home using 3D printers. Dresses, shoes, jackets – everything the models wore on the runway were 3D printed. While some pieces were printed and then glued together, others were created using 3D printed textiles that could then be used just like traditional cloth. Peleg says the entire collection took more than 2,000 hours to print, with each piece of textile printing in about 20 hours.
Nike’s Vapor Carbon Elite Cleat
In January 2014, Nike unveiled a new shoe with 3D printed parts that was specifically designed to help athletes run faster. While this wasn’t the first time Nike turned to 3D printing to raise the level of their shoes, the Vapor Carbon Elite Cleat made its debut at the Super Bowl, making it one of the more high profile debuts for a 3D printed shoe.
Dita von Teese
Of course, we’re a little biased with this one seeing as how we printed it and all, but this dress is still top of mind when people talk about 3D printed fashion. Designed by Michael Schmidt and 3D modeled by architect Francis Bitonti this beautiful dress was printed in 17 separate pieces, assembled and then adorned with 13,000 Swarovski crystal. Even though it’s been more than two years since the dress was revealed, it is still one of the most talked about pieces when it comes to 3D printed fashion.
3D printing on Project Runway
It took 12 seasons, but we finally saw 3D prints make it down the runway on Project Runway in 2013. The belts and accessories, designed by Justin LeBlanc, were impressive enough to earn him a spot in the finals. Inspired by his own life, and designed to depict sound waves, the accessories added to his collection resonated with a lot of viewers.
What’s your favorite 3D printed fashion moment? Stay tuned this week for a look back at some of the fashion pieces we’ve printed in the past!