A few days ago, I attended a TEDX in Barcelona titled: What is fashion’s future?
In this chat, a video was shown in which Danit Peleg, a fashion designer, demonstrates how she created her first collection printed in 3D.
If you watch this video, you will agree that textile technology is still light-years away from being able to perform series production using 3D printers because the material used feels like plastic and does not breathe. Printing time depends on the materials used and is very slow, although it will speed up in the future. The cost of the material (polyurethane) is still very high, and software is required for each item. Assembly is also necessary.
However, there are already people commercializing collections that apply this technology. Iris Van Herper applies a more modern point of view (futuristic, I would say) to Haute Couture, combining digital technology with handmade work.
I enjoy the advantages of technology and what it entails. A large part of my work is done on the computer. I have a Kindle, which I take everywhere, I use WhatsApp and other apps, but when I enter a bookstore that has drawing materials and beautiful notebooks… my eyes light up. I am also delighted by fabric collections, imagining what items I could create as soon as I touch or see them. At this moment, 3D doesn’t give me that same feeling.
Probably, the production of items is slower, but little by little, it’s approaching our lives.
Binokers is a start-up company from Barcelona that offers the possibility of producing 3D glasses. It’s very well explained in the video.
Would this be a good solution for new designers? Could it be applied to textiles? I can think of several ways to apply it, but not related to the manufacturing of 3D articles or virtual fashion.
I have found a curious tool on the internet: the virtual fitting room from Visualook Company.
They explain it very well on their website:
THE PROBLEM: Most users do not buy clothes online for fear of “how it will look on me”; if you don’t have the physical clothes to try on at home, it’s difficult to know they fit or to see how it combines with other items.
THE SOLUTION: It offers manufacturers, clothing retailers, and footwear companies two complementary tools that are included in their online shops to increase their sales by up to 60% and reduce the number of returned merchandise due to size issues by up to 25%.
This virtual fitting room has an avatar in which the client can personalize their measurements and visualize how the clothes would look on them. It’s quite entertaining; take your shot, even though the avatar is not very feminine, it gives you an idea of how it could look without the need to try on clothes.
It seems like a spectacular advance for shops or online fashion brands.