The 'World’s First Fully Articulated 3D Printed Gown'

Palpitating as I write, this is stunning by any standard, but even within the confines of 3DPland, as I heard it called recently and liked, and the amazing things we see here, it is outstanding.

“It” is a 3D printed gown designed by Michael Schmidt Studios in collaboration with Francis Bitoni Studio and Shapeways exclusively for the rather gorgeous Dita Von Teese. [Any of you boys that watch the video below through to the end, might also find yourself palpitating, but I imagine for different reasons!!].

The gown was conceived based on a numerical formula that quantifies the ideals of beauty, known as the golden ratio, which was developed in the 13^th century by an Italian mathematician called Fibonacci. The gown, an interpretation of this time honoured formula, is wearable and fluid and enabled, of course, by 3D printing to physically reproduce it. The gown is composed of articulated joints that expand and contract with the undulations of the body.

Shapeways was the 3D printing service provider, and what I am liking about this video, showcasing and explaining the tech is that, for a change, it does not skip the messy bits. Or the need for protective clothing and a heavy duty mask to get to the glamorous end result. The hours of finishing (adding thousands of Swarovski crystals amongst other things) are also referenced.

I have written before about how haute couture has started to grasp 3D printing and its potential for creative and original design. Iris van Herpen’s incorporation of the technology into her work over the last couple of years has got much deserved attention. Her most recent collection also featured a collaborative 3D printed piece with Neri Oxman.

So this is not the 1st 3D printed dress, as some are suggesting, but it is the first full length gown and I think it is the first 3DP garment to be fully articulated. So, while the “first” in the title is a bit naughty, and getting the desired effect with some of the uninitiated press, who have now swapped gown for dress – which is incorrect, the title above is technically correct!

Either way, the finished gown is absolutely breathtaking.