Iris van Herpen Unveils Stunning 3D Printed Wedding Dress: A Fusion of Technology and Fashion
On May 18, 2024, Xpiens reported that Dutch designer Iris van Herpen successfully created her first 3D printed wedding dress. This groundbreaking gown, made using advanced digital technology and materials, exemplifies the perfect union of modern technology and haute couture.
Iris van Herpen is a highly acclaimed designer in the fashion industry, with her creations previously worn by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. She began experimenting with 3D printing technology as early as 2010, showcasing her first 3D printed piece at Amsterdam Fashion Week.
However, it was only recently that van Herpen ventured into the realm of 3D printed bridal wear. She designed and crafted this wedding dress for Brazilian lawyer Mariana Pavani using advanced 3D printing technology and materials. The production of this gown took 41 hours, while the design process in ZBrush software took 600 hours. ZBrush is also used for creating high-resolution models for movies and video games. The final product exhibits remarkable comfort and flexibility.
"There are no seams. You can't achieve this with typical patterns," van Herpen remarked.
Bride Pavani wore this dress as she walked down the wedding aisle. Despite its seemingly rigid appearance, the dress is incredibly comfortable, allowing the bride to sit and move freely.
The creation of the wedding dress was highly complex. Pavani underwent a 3D body scan to ensure a perfect fit and participated in multiple fittings for the dress, which featured hand-pleated elements. The final garment strikes a balance between lightweight elegance and rigidity. Van Herpen described the piece as embodying a futuristic aura that captures feminine essence.
"3D printed wedding dresses have both sculptural elements and fluidity. This dichotomy is something I truly love," van Herpen explained.
In 2022, Pavani’s husband, art collector and composer Roberto Toscano, introduced her to van Herpen's work. Pavani expressed, "I wanted a unique dress, something distinctive. From the beginning, I hoped the design would incorporate 3D printing."
Van Herpen added that 3D printing technology offers more freedom and creative space in fashion, allowing for designs that are impossible to achieve with traditional methods.
Van Herpen's first 3D printed creation debuted in 2010. At the time, wearable fashion featuring 3D printing was in its infancy due to the limited flexibility of the materials. However, van Herpen emphasized that these creations are, in fact, comfortable to wear and do not require additional maintenance. She appreciated the seamless and smooth nature of 3D printing, stating, "The cleanliness of 3D printing is something I truly love."
