As fashion and technology become increasingly integrated, we can expect to see New York City designers at the forefront of innovations. With the advent of 3D printing towards more practical uses we have begun to see its application into the world of fashion. Although it has been years in the making, 3D printed pieces made their way into mainstream society at this year’s Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week. While there is no telling the limits and implications that 3D printing will have in the fashion realm, here are some of the most recent developments by haute New York City designers.

threeASFOUR

The New York innovators threeASFOUR revealed two textural masterpieces for their Fall ‘16 NYFW Biomimicry collection. Dubbed Harmonograph and Pangolin, the two dresses have changed the game for 3D designers. Both respectively are a true testament to the creativity that can result from merging the worlds of fashion, technology, and design. Threeasfour collaborated with New York designer Travis Fitch and Minnesota-based manufacturer Stratasys. Together, their collaboration created something unforgettable.

The Harmonograph dress was inspired directly by the Fibonacci sequence. The dress itself circles around the body in three spirals creating a wave-like form. The Pangolin dress mixes a variety of interlocking waves to create a single skin. Stratasys’ technology allowed for the designers to print the single dress using different colors and materials, creating an extremely versatile look.

Alexis Walsh 

Alexis Walsh joined the 3D printing game just this year at NYFW F/W ’16. The designer developed a fragile and intimate piece now known as the Spire Dress. This work of art is made of 400 individual white nylon pieces inspired by the points of cathedral spires, hence the name. The outcome is as much about the process as it is the aesthetic. The effort, time, and detail that goes into such a creation is as beautiful and powerful as the way it looks on the body. While the dress was hand-assembled, the pieces that make it up were 3D printed on MakerBot printers and sent to Shapeways to produce all of the finishing touches.

Nervous System

Having had their first fashion debut in 2014, Nervous System is no stranger to 3D printed designs. Their newest creation, the Kinematics Petal Dress is their most intricate and innovative creation to date. The dress draws inspiration from petals, feathers, and scales to create form-fitting and flowing piece. To create the perfect fit for you, the dress can be customized to your body through a 3D scan. You’ll never have to go to the tailor again. The unique statement piece is comprised of more than 1,600 pieces interconnected by more than 2,600 hinges. Don’t worry, the dress comes out of the 3D printer already assembled and ready to flaunt.

Nervous System has also recently come out with a line of 3D printed jewelry called Kinematic Petals. The collection features a series of necklaces, earrings and bracelets all formed with unique petal-like pieces. You can shop their looks here.

t by Bao Ngo