Lights, cameras–and, don your 3D printed headsets, please! As many of us look to cutting edge fashion designers to see what the next trends are, it’s fascinating to see them using the most progressive technology available for the creation of sleek new tools like 3D printed virtual reality devices.
While 3D printing has worked as a tool within the world of fashion and design in producing actual garments, it’s also often associated with virtual reality as a sort of cousin technology. 3D printing is also often used to create VR devices because of the ease it offers in prototyping, as well as affordability. Coming together as a triumvirate of stylish power from Dior, we see the French design house employing 3D printing, virtual reality, and fashion all at once–presented in the usual classy package.
With the 3D printed, virtual reality ‘Dior Eyes,’ a number of lucky individuals will be able to view the behind-the-scenes happenings at a real-time Dior show, from off-set using the VR headsets, while models get ready to strut their stuff down the runway. There’s nothing more fun than being a voyeur behind the scenes for a big event, and especially a big name like Dior.
Only a smattering of “selected boutiques” will have the devices available on their premises though as they will offer unique–and few–invitations for what should be a pretty mindblowing experience for most, as they get to experience this surprising new innovation that will take them backstage, as well as the excitement of seeing what happens pre-show at the latest Dior Ready-to-Wear event. There aren’t specifics on the ‘when’s and ‘where’s yet, but the boutique behind-the-scenes glimpses are expected to come at a premium.
Not just a gimmicky gizmo, the VR headset is meant to allow everyone to see how all the professionals work and get a glimpse of the high energy behind the stage before the show actually goes on full tilt. Virtual reality has been used by other designers previously, mainly by Yves Saint Laurent, who used the famous Google Glass to give a demonstration in makeup technique.
Dior Eyes have been designed and 3D printed by French company DigitasLBI Labs, and it’s not been confirmed, but Dior may be using Samsung technology to offer the stunning 515ppi pixel density visuals, with almost a 100-degree field of view, and built-in audio.
The luxurious Dior Eyes fashion VR band also features a backlit Dior logo, highlighting the French fashion house, which came into creation in 1946. At that time, Christian Dior was a forty-something designer, rocking the world of fashion, and both disrupting traditional ideals and delighting at the same time. Much could be said for the technology of 3D printing, so it’s certainly not surprising that his fashion house is still operating in that mode functioning as designers of everything from haute couture to retailing perfume and skincare products.
Are the 3D printed Dior Eyes something you would like to try on for size? Have you used any virtual reality devices yet? Discuss in the 3D Printed Dior Eyes forum thread over at 3DPB.com.
