3D printing has become a hot topic in the fashion design industry. In recent years, we've frequently heard about designers from around the world using 3D printing technology to bring their creative visions to life. This is truly an impressive development, signaling that 3D printing will play a major role in the future of fashion and beyond.
While 3D printed fashion has started to appear on runways worldwide, most of what we see are just accessories. Full 3D printed outfits remain rare. That’s why when Danit Peleg, a fashion student at Shenkar School of Design in Israel, created an entire collection using 3D printing, it caught a lot of attention. What made it even more remarkable was that she used a regular home 3D printer to produce all the pieces.
Danit Peleg, originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, developed this project as her graduation work. It's considered the first fully 3D printed clothing collection made with a desktop 3D printer. Even more surprising, she had very little knowledge of 3D printing when she started. "In September 2014, I began working on my graduation project," she shared. "When I decided to use 3D printing, I knew almost nothing about it. I wanted to see if I could create a complete garment that anyone could wear. So, without knowing the final outcome, I embarked on this 3D printing journey."
She reached out to a local 3D printing expert and learned about the right machines, materials, and software for designing garments. Her first project was a jacket inspired by Delacroix’s painting "Liberty Leading the People." She modified the image into a 3D model using Blender, generated a 3D file, and then tried different materials and printers.
Later, she collaborated with 3D printing experts from TechFactoryPlus and XLN. “We experimented with various 3D printers like Makerbot, Pursa, and Witbox, and different materials such as PLA and soft PLA,†she explained. “I’m really grateful to be part of a global maker community where people share knowledge, designs, and time to help others realize their dreams.â€
After several months of trial and error, Danit found that PLA wasn’t flexible enough for clothing. “It wasn’t soft enough, which is essential for textiles,†she said. “That changed when I discovered FilaFlex. It’s strong yet very soft, allowing me to finally print my red jacket.â€
This breakthrough led to more experimentation. She explored Mesostructured Cellular Materials designed by Andreas Bastian, combining them with flexible filaments to create a lace-like textile structure that could be used as fabric.
Her graduation project included five full 3D printed garments, taking nine months and over 2,000 hours of 3D printing. Her home turned into a mini 3D printing factory. Some pieces were easier to print, while others required more intricate designs. She used OptiTex for initial design, then Blender to convert it into a 3D model.
Though it’s just a small collection, the results are impressive. More importantly, everything is 3D printed—including shoes. “I'm working on 3D printed shoes now,†she said. “When these items are on the runway, I want models to wear 100% 3D printed clothing, including shoes.â€
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