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Are 3D printed garments the future of the fashion industry
I
travel light. A large handbag into which my laptop, toiletries, makeup and a few other personal effects are thrown, is carried comfortably on my shoulders. Suitcases have long since being abandoned. As I confidently saunter through the airport terminal on the way to my next destination, I pull my purse protectively towards me, subconsciously cradling my precious laptop. Glancing down at my phone, I made a quick scan of print shops close to my hotel, already bookmarked for easy reference on my arrival. A chuckle escapes my lips, followed by a more confident stride. I’ m good. The wardrobe saved in a file on my laptop will be printed quite easily. My thoughts quickly strayed to Israel and the person who made suitcase-free travel possible. Danit Peleg lingers appreciatively in my thoughts. She was the first person to create a 3D printed garment from her home – just amazing! Now, I travel light. Smiling smugly to myself, I continue along.
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This may soon be a commonplace scenario in many countries of the world, as 3D printing in the fashion industry gains popularity. This emerging trend is being embraced by fashion designers around the world, and pre-pandemic, 3D printed collections were seen on runways during Fashion Weeks. This type of clothing may not be the choice of everyone, but environmentalists are watching closely with the hope that sustainability will supersede and the majority of clothing produced will be done with protection of the environment in mind. 3D printed clothing produces zero waste.
Six years ago, emerging fashion designer, Danit Peleg, introduced 3D printed garments to the world from designs created on a computer, then printed on a 3D desktop printer in her home. Interest was awakened world-wide and in 2016, American Paralympian, Amy Purdy wore a custommade 3D printed dress at the Paralympic Games during her dance performance. The dress was