The Pangolin and Harmonograph 3D printed dresses were shown during threeASFOUR’s AW16 runway show at Milk Studios, and form part of their new Biomimicry collection. ThreeASFOUR enlisted New York-based designer Travis Fitch to create these two remarkable dresses. Stratasys printed the pieces on an Objet500 Connex3 printer in their Nano Enhanced Elastomeric Technology material, set to be released later this year.
Always pushing the creative envelope, threeASFOUR is composed of designers Gabi Asfour, Angela Donhauser, and Adi Gil, and they are continually experimenting with using the natural geometries found in nature in their projects. The Harmonograph dress contours around the body in three spirals that follow the form of the Fibonacci sequence and visually portray a harmonograph, hence the moniker.
“Not only were the 3D printing capabilities of the Objet500 Connex3 essential in the production of the dress, but the entire design from its initial conception was intended to maximize the potentials inherent to this technology,” Gil explains. “The interwoven nature of the geometry could not be produced in a traditional manner, and it was critical to us that the design should evoke a language unique to 3D printing.”
The new Nano Enhanced Elastomeric Technology material allowed the designers to vary the flexibility of the material, creating rigidity where desired and softer portions for greater flexibility. This is especially evident in the Pangolin dress which was printed in 14 pieces and hand stitched together, combining the latest technology with traditional garment making.
Pangolins are strange looking South American mammals, otherwise know as scaly anteaters. The pangolin dress, like its namesake, features a chainmail-like series of scales. Due to the material properties of Stratasys’ Nano Enhanced Elastomeric Technology material and the design of the interlocking scales, this forms a novel textile.As Asfour explains, “This 3D printing allows us to create a new textile that does not exist. Especially on the Pangolin 3D printed dress, it’s about a chainmail type of textile where each unit is functioning by itself and it creates a four dimensional stretch – up and down, left and right, forwards and backwards. The most advanced textile prior to this was Lycra which is a 4-way stretch. So this is a whole new type of movement.”
Stratasys’ new material and the Objet500 Connex3 also allowed the designers to have control of subtle color variations through each piece. This, combined with the ability to vary the stiffness and flexibility throughout each dress, truly makes these designs a cut above the rest.
“Having the capability to vary color and rigidity in a single piece using Stratasys’ Connex3 3D printing technology inspired us to explore flexibility, depth and transformation as inherent design objectives,” comments Gil. “As artists and designers, it is our prerogative and our nature to explore the bounds of new technological opportunities, and to push the limits of the way in which forms are created. As the most advanced 3D printed dresses that we have created to date, we are extremely excited to showcase these pieces and demonstrate the unique possibilities unfolding at the intersection of fashion, design and technology.”
Below is a video about the creation of the Pangolin and Harmonograph dresses. What do you think of this new trend in fashion? Discuss in the 3D Printed Dresses forum over at 3DPB.com.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3DPOD Episode 190: Generative Design for 3D Printing with Novineer CEO Ali Tamijani
Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts,...
3DPOD Episode 189: AMUG President Shannon VanDeren
Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved...
3DPOD Episode 188: Clare Difazio of E3D – Growing the Industry, and Growing With the Industry
Clare DiFazio’s journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy...
Printing Money Episode 15: 3D Printing Markets & Deals, with AM Research and AMPOWER
Printing Money returns with Episode 15! This month, NewCap Partners‘ Danny Piper is joined by Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing (AM) Research, and Matthias Schmidt-Lehr,...