www.3ders.org

May 26, 2015 | By Alec

While we’ve already known for a while that 3D printing technology can definitely be used to create gorgeous and very fashionable outfits and accessories, fashion runways and 3D printing conventions sometimes show the most intriguing wearable creations. After all, bracelets and 3D printed additions to outfits can be made relatively easily, but entire gowns? And yet that is exactly what was on display as the center piece of the Gems of the Ocean collection at the 3D Print Week in New York last month.

The amazing gown visible below has been designed by award-winning fashion designer Melinda Looi. For those of you who’ve never heard of her, she is a very talented designer who has masterminded numerous award-winning projects in Malaysia and Canada that take all shapes and forms. Among them are fashionable projects like this Gems of the Ocean collection, but also stage, television and film productions. Her most recent achievements include an award for 2014 Sport and Art Trophy from the International Olympic Council.

Looi has been dabbling with the potential of 3D printing technology for a while now, and this gorgeous Gems of the Ocean collection is the second time that she has teamed up with Belgian 3D printing giants Materialise for a fashion collection. This time, her 3D printed designs were inspired by the Ocean, which she says has always attracted her. ‘I’m not the strongest swimmer, but I will never forget my first snorkeling experience in the crystal clear water on a beautiful island west coast of Malaysia,’ she said when asked about her inspiration. ‘There is something so magical about the vibrant colors that transmute and ‘dance’ in gentle waves that wash over reef systems in clear seas. I wanted to bring the enchanting underwater world to the land above.’

The Whisper to Me earrings.

And the ocean is certainly reflected in this exotic collection, that reflects the colors of the sea and even of coral reefs. To capture the reflections of sunlight on the ocean, she has heavily relied on sparkling crystals set in flowy chiffon fabrics and lace. The collection itself contains a number of interesting pieces: the Coral Boleros shoulder pieces (featuring Swarovski embellishments), the Coral Colonies shoes (that empashize light on your feet), the Swim Corals Swim bracelets (featuring hundreds of beads) and the Whisper to Me earrings.

The Swim Corals Swim bracelet.

But the most impressive part of the collection is indisputably the series of Dive into Me (Gowns). These amazing gowns have been almost completely 3D printed, and are therefore some of the world’s first full length 3D printed gowns. While you might not believe it, they have actually been 3D printed as a single piece. While it seems like a logistic nightmare, that has been achieved by carefully foling the design to fit onto the much, much smaller print bed. Just like the other pieces, it the gowns were dyed after 3D printing and in this case covered with more than 5,000 Swarovski crystals. In short, a technological as well as an actual gem.

Coral Colonies shoes.

This obviously called for close cooperation with Materialise Asia, as Looi previously did for a very successful collection in 2013. Because of those successes, Looi and Materialise took more than a year for carefully developing this follow-up project.

And Materialise was very satisfied with the result, as Executive Vice President of Materialise Asia revealed. ‘We are committed to accelerating the implementation of 3D printing technology around the world and believe that our collaboration with Melinda Looi will help to create interest for the endless ways how 3D printing allows to break traditional product design barriers and inspire any industry to apply 3D printing in developing unique and individual designs.’

In fact, Looi and Materialise have already began working the next 3D printed fashion project. Unlike Gems of the Ocean, the upcoming project will actually have a commercial goal as well, as they are planning to create marketable 3D printed accessories. While we have no idea when that project is due, the Gems of the Ocean collection suggests that it is definitely worth the wait. 

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Applications

 

Maybe you also like:

• German RepRap reveals details and photos of their X350 3D printer that debuts next week
• Help raise money for volunteers using 3D printing in Nepal Earthquake relief efforts
• This 3D printed little robot cracks any master combination lock in 30 seconds
• Turkish 3D printing specialists save life of Sea Turtle with a 3D printed titanium jaw implant
• Polyforge sub-$20,000 3D printer brings industrial-scale SLS 3D printing to small businesses
• Faraday Motion in the process of creating an app-controlled 3D printed electric skateboard
• Emerging Objects 3D prints Utah Teapot Set out of instant tea
• Italy's WASP teams with Rizzoli Institute to create breakthrough 3D printed splints & cranial implants
• Singapore-based Polychemy uses 3D printing to turn necklaces into Bitcoin wallets

   

Leave a comment:

Your Name: