GLAMOUR’s “Women of the Year Awards” Gives Out 3D Printed Trophies from HP

Condé Nast’s GLAMOUR recently hosted its 17th Women of the Year Awards at One Marylebone in London, an event sponsored by Samsung to honor feminist heroes. HP’s Personalization & 3D Printing division collaborated with GLAMOUR to create the event’s awards, which were 3D printed using its multi jet fusion (MJF) technology in eco-friendly PA 11, derived from castor beans. Notable winners included Golden Globe-winning actress America Ferrera, famed for her role in Ugly Betty, along with Ariana DeBose of West Side Story and Hamilton, musician Olivia Dean, and celebrity Emily Ratajkowski.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Halle Bailey attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The awards were given out in 11 different categories:

• Theatre Actor
• Gen Z Gamechanger
• Activist
• Entertainer
• Musician
• Samsung Rising Star
• Gamechanging Performer
• Creator (in association with Tinder)
• Trailblazing Voice
• The Impact Award
• Sports Icons

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Hannah Waddingham attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The event, hosted by comedienne Katherine Ryan, celebrated female empowerment and achievement, radiating positivity and kindness. Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso, shared her perspective:

“We have grown up learning to speak the language of men, but now the time has come for them to learn the language of women. It’s very simple, and we have to choose to hold each other up. We have to choose to have each other’s backs.”

Musical artist Halle Bailey, also a star in The Little Mermaid, weighed in on the impact of social media:

“in the age of social media, in some way, we all live under that same scrutiny. From our bodies, to what we wear to who we love and the things we care about – It’s all open to scrutiny. So, here’s my honest advice. Turn it off when you need to find inner peace. But also, live your life for you. Don’t waste time living it for social media. Everyone has an opinion but the only opinion that matters is your own – You already know deep down what’s right for you.”

TV personality Georgia Harrison added her own empowering message:

“To all of the amazing women out there I just want you to know you are so uniquely beautiful just as you are, let your soul be authentically itself in every situation and do not let anyone else’s opinion even for a second make you want to change who you are. Real women aren’t perfect and perfect women simply are not real.”

While it may be tempting to view this gathering as simply a warm and uplifting event that also served as well-timed PR for HP, the application of 3D printing here deserves greater attention. It’s a significant, yet often overlooked, avenue for the technology.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Ariana DeBose attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Thousands of awards and trophies have been 3D printed to celebrate a wide range of accomplishments. Whether it’s recognizing “Dad of the Year,” applauding leadership and environmental efforts, or celebrating employee achievements and sports victories, 3D printing has a role. Specialized plaques also commemorate business milestones, from sales and marketing triumphs to major real estate and M&A deals, as well as long-term employment. Government awards honor employee contributions, outstanding community members, and completed projects, while historical events are etched in memory through unique trophies. The volunteer sector is not left behind, with accolades for exceptional coaches, teachers, and dedicated community members. Both professional and amateur sports events use 3D printed trophies, even extending to casual weekend tournaments. Customization has been the norm, but it often involves merely affixing a small label to a pre-existing design, which can be uninspiring. The potential for more intricate, personalized customization through 3D printing is vast and largely untapped.

Typically, 3D printing companies and innovative organizations drive the creation of these awards to showcase new technology. However, the business potential extends beyond mere demonstration. Companies specializing in awards could offer event-based discounts in exchange for visibility or public relations rights. Utilizing customization tools like Grasshopper allows for the easy design of semi-unique awards tailored to a broad audience. Standard trophies can feature large, custom text, while more intricate details like small letters or custom textures can also be added. Advanced design services could provide photo-based bas relief images or lithophanes, capturing the likeness of award recipients. The use of mixed technologies can achieve optimal outcomes for these specialized projects. Companies like Twikit already offer customization services through platforms like 3DTrophyFactory. If developed effectively, this market for 3D printed trophies and awards could represent a significant global opportunity.