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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