The new hot name out of Brazil fashion relies on 3D printing for accessories adorning models as they strut the runway. Lourenço unveiled his latest use of 3D printing at São Paulo’s Fashion Week after having received the Prix d’Excellence Award de la Mode in the category of “Most Promising Young Talent” during the Paris Fashion Week in October of 2013. The world recognizes the talent of this young designer, and he recognizes the potential and ability to be mined from extended use of 3D printing in the fashion industry. In order to see his vision come to light, Lourenço took support from Stratasys and its Brazilian partner, LWT.
With the sparkled brilliance of bracelets and necklaces causing murmurs in the crowd in São Paulo, the designer’s process had to be shared. Stratasys provided the Fortus 250mc 3D Production System that shaped the ABS plastic for the jewelry. After the pieces were printed and vetted for proper geometric measurements, they received paint in colors chosen to complement the clothes covering each model. Some of the accessories were gilded for a jewel-like effect.
The designer has had an interest in 3D printed for fashion lingering over the last few years, but the partnership finally allowed his curiosity to become an experiment. “Thanks to the support I received from Stratasys and LWT, I had the chance to develop my first 3D printed parts. What we showed at São Paulo Fashion Week 2014 is just the beginning of a long-term relationship. We intend to use the technology of 3D printing in other collections as well.”
He continued his endorsement, “The revolution in the fashion industry from the use of 3D printing is already happening. The stylists are prepared to make good use of this technology.”
So high-end fashion infuses its production with 3DP and the consensus appears to accept this movement. There may very well be a revolution within the industry as the young designer states. Yet where this “revolution” ends may be different than solely in the realms of runway fashion. There is often a trickle-down effect in fashion from the VIP of Fashion Weeks and Fashion Houses to the eventual sale rack at the local bulk clothing store. 3DP, as it continues to expand into everyday household use, could create a high-speed connection between the elite fashion designers and the rest of us instead of the financial hierarchal maze traditionally navigated for aesthetics to reach the general public.
