Dita Von Teese in Shapeways 3D Printed Gown

Last night at the Ace Hotel in New York to a crowd of uber-cool fashonistas and paparazzi we revealed the 3D printed gown designed by Michael Schmidt and Francis Bitonti modeled by queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese in Shapeways 3D printed gown

The fully articulated gown based on the Fibonacci sequence was designed by Michael Schmidt and 3D modeled by architect Francis Bitonti to be 3D printed in Nylon by Shapeways.  The gown was assembled from 17 pieces, dyed black, lacquered and adorned with over 13,000 Swarovski crystals to create a sensual flowing form.

3D printed gown detail on Shapeways

Thousands of unique components were 3D printed in a flowing mesh designed exactly to fit Dita’s body.  This represents the possibility to 3D print complex, customized fabric like garments designed exactly to meet a specific person or need.  As we see the material properties of 3D printing mature to produce more fine, flexible materials we will see more and more forays into fashion such as this.  At first it is at the boundaries of haute couture and art but as we have seen with Nike using 3D printing in footwear, we will see more and more 3D printing creep into the world of clothing and fashion until it becomes ubiquitous. 

3D Printed Fashion Dita Von Teese

blondie, dita von teese, michael schmidt, 3D pritned dress

We would like to extend a massive thanks to the entire team at the Ace Hotel in New York for organizing the collaboration and an amazing event. It is these collaborations between designers and 3D modeling specialists that push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing.  

At Shapeways we receive a constant stream of inquiries from artists, designers and advertising agencies from around the world looking to connect with 3D modeling experts to help them bring their ideas to reality with 3D printing.  If you are a 3D modeling expert interested in helping others realize their ideas with 3D printing, post your availability in the 3D modelers for hire thread in the Shapeways forums and you may be the next 3D modeling craftsperson blinking into the flashing lights of the paparazzi on stage.

Thanks again to the Ace Hotel, Michael Schmidt, Francis Bitonti, Dita Von Teese and the entire Shapeways team that made this possible. 

Thanks to the Ace Hotel and Albert Sanchez for images.