Iconic Dutch designer Iris van Herpen has created the world’s first 3D-printed wedding gown, recently worn by Brazilian lawyer Mariana Pavani. The fantastic dress took 41 hours to print and was crafted for over 600 hours using ZBrush software, which is commonly used for high-res 3D models in films and video games. This ethereal, whimsical dress was also fashioned based on a 3D body scan of the bride for a perfect fit.
With a reputation for her structural designs worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, Van Herpen first explored 3D printing back in 2010 with her “Crystallization” top at Amsterdam Fashion Week. Despite her initial concerns about the comfort of 3D-printed clothes, Van Herpen found that modern 3D printing materials make the garments both practical and pleasant to wear. In her interview to WWD, the designer said, “With the materials and the flexibility that you have today, it’s super comfortable. You can sit in it, you can basically do anything in it.”
While 3D printing in fashion occasionally raises environmental concerns due to its reliance on plastics, the technology is rapidly developing and showing innovative potential. Beyond Van Herpen’s work, many brands (with companies like Nike among them) have explored 3D printing.
If you’re interested in Van Herpen’s revolutionary designs, you might want to read her recent book “Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses”, which offers a look into her creative process — and accompanies her retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
