NYC’s 3D Print Fashion Show Doesn’t Disappoint — Materialise & Melinda Looi Shine

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending my first 3D print fashion show at 3D Print Week in New York City. On second thought, it was actually my first fashion show, period. Not a fashionista myself, I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by what the show had to offer.

We saw everything from entire 3D printed dresses to 3D printed shoes, tops, hats, masks and more. Although many of these futuristically stylish pieces may not be seen at your next dinner party, there were an equal number of pieces which could certainly be worn outside the show without generating an army of stares.

The show, which lasted approximately half an hour, featured both men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, including pieces from designers such as Aaron Trocola, Andy O’Mara, Bradley Rothenberg, Dilek Sezen, Francis Bitonti, Heidi Lee, Helena Lukasova + Denisa Nova, Holy Faya, Melinda Looi, Paul Redmond, Rachel Nhan and Sabina Sagadiyeva.

Looi, who happened to team with Materialise, the sponsor of the show, was on hand to present her ‘GEMS OF THE OCEAN’ collection, which was inspired by the allure that Loois feels about large bodies of water, as she explained:

”The Ocean has always held a certain allure to me. I’m not the strongest swimmer, but I will never forget my first snorkelling experience in the crystal clear water on a beautiful island west cost of Malaysia. There is something so magical about the vibrant colours 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.”

This particular collection, which has built upon the work that Looi had done with Materialise in 2013 for a show in Asia, is the product of over a year of collaboration with Materialise and a team of designers spread all over the globe.

“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,” said Wim Michiels, Executive Vice President Materialise Asia.

In total Looi and Materialise launched 5 intricately designed pieces last evening and ultimately plan to offer a line of designs to the public at price points which most of us can afford. The pieces included the following:

• Coral Boleros (Shoulder pieces) – Swarovski embellishments bring this piece to life
• Dive into Me (Gowns) – A v-neck gown which has over 5,000 crystals delicately woven into 3D printed fabric
• Coral Colonies (Shoes) – Shoes which sparkle like nothing you have ever seen before
• Swim Corals Swim (Bracelets) – Beaded wrist decorations which will certainly attract eyeballs of those passing by
• Whisper to me (Earrings) – These ear accessories will ‘encase you in the sweet murmurings of the sea’

For those wanting to check out these pieces as well as the incredible work of the other artists in this amazing show, there’s still time. Head down to the Javits Center today and look for the Materialise booth #913, as well as booths which some of the other individual designs have on display. Let us know if you were able to attend the 3D Print Fashion Show yesterday and what your thoughts were. Discuss in the 3D Print Week Fashion Show forum thread on 3DPB.com.