When inundated with copies sold as a way to express individuality, the mode will eventually give way to breakthrough artistic forms that are truly original. Recognized as an innovative force in fashion with a fashion designer of the year nomination at this year’s London 3D Print Show, Noa Raviv flashes signs of the needed brilliance. Her latest line called “Hard Copy” exhilarated the audience on the catwalk in Tel Aviv and brought home the coveted 2014 Finy Leitersdorf Prize and Best Collection. The designer took her talent to 3D printing and Stratasys’ platforms delivered.
While influenced by Greek sculpture, Raviv’s design stemmed from a desire to produce an original work that could not be easily duplicated, and 3D printing provided the perfect capability. Using 3D software, she distorted models until they became convoluted beyond the ability of traditional fashion design. Raviv could take advantage of 3D printing in multiple materials with Stratasys’ Objet500 Connex3 Multi-material printer so that the printed parts could be naturally sewn into the dresses with their own intricate 2D designs. The play between the dress and the added material blends the distinction between 2D and 3D in a stunning visual illusion. The non-symmetrical print finally took shape with Rigid Opaque 3D printing materials (VeroWhite and VeroBlackPlus). One of the more eye-catching designs adorned a slinked black dress with a white etched design. The 3DP form attached to the left side in a two-color confluence of ruffles and spirals.
Excited about the development with 3D printing, Raviv expounded, “These objects cannot be produced in reality. They exist only in the virtual space. The tension between the real and the virtual, between 2D and 3D inspired me to create this collection.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Stratasys. “[Stratasys] is dedicated to the promotion, development, and support of artists and designers exploring the possibilities of 3D printing and with our experience, we help them to stretch the creative envelope and innovate,” said Naomi Kaempfer, Stratasys Creative Director for Art and Fashion Design. “Beyond the technical advantages, 3D printing opens up a world of possibilities for new aesthetic realms and dialog with the digital information age. The language created by these technologies relates both to the traditional axioms of art and design as well as opening up doors to the yet evolving new world reality of the digital landscape.”
This is the next revolution in fashion and design. It is already here and it is here to make a lasting impression not only in design, but how we view individuality and form; how we come to know our aesthetic sensibility liberated from branding and carbon copies. The dye has been cast. Raviv can read the wave as it swells and the result is stunning.
