3D printing and fashion design are finally beginning to see a bit of a convergence. It was only a year ago that I, as well as the majority of people familiar with 3D printing, believed that the technology would take quite some time before it it would begin to really garner attention within the fashion industry. However, in the past several months alone, we have seen all sorts of unique, innovative, crazy, elegant, and even perhaps sexy styles come about, thanks to 3D printing.
One man, who has been linking consumer level 3D printers to that of customized fashion is Michele Badia. Badia, who is an Italian designer working for MyMiniFactory, has come up with some really unique designs that can be printed on a standard consumer-level FDM 3D printer. He tends to use flexible NinjaFlex filament to make his designs more flexible, shock absorbing, and softer than what you would get when printing with typical ABS or PLA filaments.
Recently we have covered various shoes that Badia has designed, all of which have very unique, yet appealing looks to them. Some of his designs can be purchased online via, the MyMiniFactory website as well as downloaded free of charge for those who have access to 3D printers.
The latest, most interesting piece of fashion wear that Badia has created is something that would probably be the last thing you would think could be 3D printed, a garter belt. This piece of lingerie is only the first in what Badia hopes will be an entire collection (‘Chic Liberty Collection’) of undergarments that he will release as 3D printable objects. So what in the world gave Badia the idea to venture into the realm of 3D printing underwear?
“I made it because, I really believe in fashion design for FDM 3d printers and I’m constantly looking for new fashion ideas to prove that it is possible to get beautiful objects that make sense for these machines,” Badia tells 3DPrint.com. “This is just a preview of the collection that I’m working on. In addition to this I have a corset, suspenders, and many other things that are coming up as well.”
The garter belt is inspired by classical designs, and is printed using a combination of PLA and NinjaFlex filaments. The files can be downloaded via the product page, and can be fabricated on any 3D printer able to print using NinjaFlex filament. All of the settings are already set into the downloadable file, and the entire object will print without any support material. The belt portion of the piece is done in flexible Ninjaflex, whereas the buckles and clasps are done in the more rigid PLA.
All in all, it will take approximately two hours to print the entire garter belt out, and the final piece measures 25cm x 4cm x 0.5cm.
Could this be the start of a 3D printed underwear revolution? Probably not, but if Badia has any say, we could be in for some interesting 3D printed projects in the coming months, as he releases more of his ‘Chic Liberty Collection’ to the public for free.
What do you think? Do you find 3D printed undergarments like this garter belt sexy? Would you consider printing one for yourself or for your significant other? Discuss in the 3D printed garter belt forum thread on 3DPB.com.