Van Herpen, who admires the late Azzedine Alaïa’s intimate showcases held at his own home, envisions similar personal encounters for her creations. Residing outside Amsterdam with her partner, sound designer Salvador Breed, she’s inspired by their natural surroundings, which resonate within her work’s themes.

A Seamless Fusion of Science, Art, and Fashion

Since 2007, van Herpen has carved a unique niche in fashion by integrating 3D printing, scientific exploration, and unconventional materials into her creations. With a deep fascination for how art and fashion intersect, she has joined forces with marine biologists, architects, and physicists, bridging worlds rarely seen together in couture.

Her recent exhibition, Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses, held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and later in Brisbane, highlights the widespread fascination with her work. This retrospective display drew record-breaking audiences, many of whom spent hours absorbing the intricacies of her designs. “I really learned that people understand the work so much better by really having time to look at it,” van Herpen remarked, reflecting on the experience of seeing audiences engage thoughtfully with her art.

The ‘Hybrid Show’: Pushing Boundaries in Haute Couture

Her Hybrid Show, a significant addition to Paris Haute Couture Week, exemplified her shift toward larger-scale, immersive installations. Featuring “aerial sculptures” made from tulle, it marked her exploration of “pure” artistic expression. Models like Coco Rocha donned van Herpen’s iconic pieces, interacting with attendees in a gallery-like setting.

This experience inspired a new approach to her craft, where she could blend the sensory intimacy of an art exhibition with the drama of a runway show. For van Herpen, merging these worlds offered both liberation and artistic satisfaction, allowing her to explore couture’s potential as a living, breathing art form.

Art Versus Design: An Evolving Perspective

For van Herpen, couture exists at a unique crossroad between art and design. Unlike other designers focused primarily on visual appeal, her aim is to evoke emotions and tell stories through her pieces. “There’s a difference between art and design in that sense,” she notes, “where an artwork captures an emotion, transferring that to the audience.”

Van Herpen’s commitment to intricate detail and movement – evident in her feminine designs and flowing silhouettes – adds an artistic essence to each piece. Her work is a testament to the power of couture as an artistic medium that can challenge, inspire, and speak to viewers on an emotional level.

Finding Balance: Collaboration and Solitude

Working in haute couture involves an intense collaborative process, especially in the complex world of van Herpen’s atelier. Yet, she also values moments of solitary reflection, where she can dive deeply into her work. Alternating between collaboration and personal focus has provided her a dynamic balance that shapes her artistic growth.

This balance reflects the recent shifts in her lifestyle, moving from bustling Amsterdam to a tranquil, nature-filled environment. In her new home, van Herpen finds inspiration in the organic rhythm of nature, which she channels into her designs. Her connection to the changing seasons and the landscape around her enriches her work, bringing an authentic energy that permeates her latest creations.

Nature as Muse: A Bio-mimicry Approach

Nature has always been an essential inspiration for van Herpen, often visible in the organic, flowing structures of her designs. Growing up surrounded by rivers in the Netherlands, she developed a strong connection to the natural world, a sentiment that continues to shape her work through a process known as biomimicry. By studying natural forms and structures, she crafts pieces that feel alive, harmonizing with the human body in a way that mirrors nature’s own designs.

In her recent transition to a home outside the city, she experiences nature daily, absorbing its changing rhythms, which, in turn, influence her creations. She describes this reconnection as a kind of “energy” that fuels her art, emphasizing her belief in fashion as a living expression deeply tied to one’s surroundings.

Rethinking Fashion’s Fast-Paced Rhythm

Van Herpen is a vocal advocate for slowing down fashion’s rapid pace. Inspired by Azzedine Alaïa, who resisted traditional fashion schedules, she questions the industry’s demand for constant production. Alaïa’s approach, showcasing his collections in his own time, resonates with van Herpen’s desire to present work when it feels complete, rather than adhering to a strict timetable.

“Fashion is very, very rigid,” she observes, contrasting it with other art forms like music or architecture, where creators reveal their work when it’s ready. She dreams of a couture landscape that values craftsmanship and thoughtful presentation over the pressure to meet seasonally-driven deadlines.

The Future of Haute Couture: A Laboratory for Ideas

To van Herpen, haute couture is a breeding ground for innovation and experimentation. Unlike mainstream fashion, couture offers designers the freedom to explore, develop, and execute concepts that challenge conventional ideas. She sees her atelier as a space where past, present, and future merge, creating a fertile ground for new possibilities in design and technology.

She’s especially passionate about merging traditional craftsmanship with groundbreaking technology. While she acknowledges that handcrafting everything is impractical, she sees potential in using tools like 3D printing to personalize pieces. In her eyes, couture can become a more personal, intimate expression of individuality, a sentiment she hopes will resonate with a broader audience.

Fashion as a Personal Language

Van Herpen believes fashion is a profound form of self-expression. In a world often focused on mass production, she champions a return to fashion’s roots as an individualistic art form. Couture, in her view, is a “language” that allows wearers to communicate without words.

“When a lot of people think about fashion today, they think about mass production,” she says, “but ultimately, it’s a personal expression of who you are. It can be a form of art even.” Her high-profile clients – artists and visionaries themselves – understand this sentiment, viewing couture not just as attire but as an extension of their identities.

Her Influential Clientele: Art, Fashion, and Identity Intersect

The relationship between van Herpen and her clients is reciprocal. Icons like Björk, Beyoncé, and Tilda Swinton are more than fans; they’re patrons of her work who resonate deeply with her vision. Many of her clients are art collectors who proudly display their commissioned pieces at home or even donate them to museums.

Reflecting on this unique relationship, she notes, “All of my clients are art collectors as well. So for some, I’m making a look for them to wear. Some of them are displaying it in their homes as artwork.” This melding of art and couture, she says, is a testament to the open-mindedness and creativity of her clients, who recognize the beauty in merging art with fashion.

Van Herpen’s work continues to captivate, inspire, and blur boundaries. By marrying traditional artistry with modern technology, she crafts creations that transcend fashion’s typical constraints, embodying a vision of couture as a boundless, expressive medium. Her designs remind us that fashion is more than what we wear; it’s a statement, an identity, and, for those bold enough to embrace it, a form of living art.

The post How Iris van Herpen, Designer to the Likes of Björk, Beyoncé, and Tilda Swinton, Blends Art and Fashion appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this partnership, explore Unspun’s cutting-edge technology, and discuss why this collaboration is set to reshape the fashion industry across Europe.

A Major Partnership: Decathlon Pulse and Unspun

In a move that signals a huge step forward for sustainable fashion, Unspun has secured both investment and a long-term offtake agreement with Decathlon Pulse. This partnership, which is set to run through 2030, will see Unspun’s 3D weaving technology, Vega, expand to multiple European brands under Decathlon’s umbrella.

So, why is this partnership so important? It’s about more than just innovation; it’s about creating a new way of producing garments—one that is local, low-waste, and efficient. For Decathlon, this means a chance to lead the charge in sustainability while continuing to offer high-performance sportswear to consumers. For Unspun, it’s an opportunity to scale their technology and make a significant environmental impact.

Unspun’s Vega Technology: The Future of Apparel Manufacturing

At the heart of this partnership is Unspun’s Vega technology, a groundbreaking 3D weaving process. Unlike traditional methods that cut fabric from large rolls, leaving behind scraps and wasted material, Vega weaves garments directly from yarn into semi-finished products. This method eliminates much of the waste associated with garment manufacturing, reducing both material loss and the environmental burden.

Vega technology doesn’t just minimize waste; it also allows for on-demand, customizable production. Imagine being able to order clothing tailored specifically to your measurements, created locally and sustainably, without the need for mass production and excess inventory. This is exactly what Unspun aims to achieve with their 3D weaving approach.

Decathlon Pulse’s Commitment to Sustainability

Decathlon has long been committed to sustainability, and their partnership with Unspun is another bold step in that direction. By investing in and supporting the expansion of Vega technology across Europe, Decathlon Pulse is helping to transform the way clothing is made.

Franck Vigo, CEO of Decathlon Pulse, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting: “This partnership will enable Decathlon to reduce waste within the manufacturing process and strengthen our commitment to sustainability. By leveraging the potential of 3D weaving, we are working to revolutionize the garment manufacturing process and offer consumers customized, recyclable, and locally-produced products.”

The benefits of this partnership go beyond just reducing waste; it also aligns with Decathlon’s broader goals of offering high-quality, eco-friendly products that meet the needs of modern consumers. By embracing 3D weaving, Decathlon is setting a new standard for the industry, paving the way for other brands to follow.

A Shift Toward Local, Low-Waste Production

One of the key aspects of the Unspun-Decathlon Pulse collaboration is the focus on local, low-waste production. Rather than relying on massive, centralized factories that churn out thousands of units at once, Vega technology enables more localized production. This approach not only reduces transportation emissions but also allows for better inventory management.

Local production means less stock sitting in warehouses, fewer unsold items being discarded, and a drastic reduction in the industry’s overall carbon footprint. It’s a model that tackles some of the biggest challenges in fashion today—overproduction, excessive inventory, and the environmental toll of shipping goods around the world.

Meeting the EU’s Waste Framework Directive

The timing of this partnership is crucial, especially with the European Union’s upcoming Waste Framework Directive. This directive will introduce stricter regulations on waste management, including measures that directly impact the fashion industry, such as reducing unsold inventory and limiting overproduction.

Unspun’s Vega technology is perfectly positioned to help European brands meet these new requirements. By enabling on-demand production and better inventory control, the technology offers a practical solution to the overproduction problem that has plagued the fashion world for decades. Brands using Vega technology will not only comply with the EU’s new regulations but will also gain a competitive edge in a marketplace that increasingly values sustainability.

Tackling the Global Waste Problem

The global waste crisis is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Experts predict that global waste will increase by 70% by 2050 if current trends continue, and the fashion industry is a significant contributor to this problem.

Unspun’s collaboration with Decathlon Pulse represents a direct response to this issue. By reducing waste at every stage of the production process, from raw materials to finished garments, Vega technology offers a pathway toward a more sustainable future. As more brands adopt this technology, the potential for positive environmental impact is enormous.

Unspun’s Track Record of Innovation

Unspun is no stranger to innovation. The company has already earned accolades for its work in sustainable fashion, including being named to prestigious lists such as Time magazine’s “America’s Top Greentech Companies 2024” and Newsweek’s “Climate Change Innovators.”

This recognition highlights Unspun’s role as a leader in the movement toward more sustainable fashion. Their technology not only promises to reduce waste but also addresses key concerns around carbon emissions, water usage, and the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing methods.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fashion

The Unspun-Decathlon Pulse partnership is just one example of how the fashion industry is beginning to embrace a more sustainable future. As consumer demand for eco-friendly products grows, companies are being pushed to rethink their production methods, and technology like Vega is leading the way.

With the backing of Decathlon Pulse, Unspun is poised to make a significant impact in Europe and beyond. Their shared commitment to sustainability is a blueprint for how the fashion industry can evolve, focusing on reducing waste, producing locally, and offering high-quality products that are both customizable and eco-friendly.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Sustainable Fashion

The partnership between Unspun and Decathlon Pulse marks a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable fashion. By combining Unspun’s innovative 3D weaving technology with Decathlon’s vast reach and commitment to sustainability, this collaboration is set to transform apparel manufacturing across Europe.

With Vega technology at the helm, the future of fashion is looking greener, more efficient, and more localized than ever before. As the industry continues to grapple with the environmental challenges it faces, partnerships like this one will be key in driving meaningful change.

FAQs

1. What is Unspun’s Vega technology?
Unspun’s Vega technology is a 3D weaving process that creates garments directly from yarn, minimizing waste and enabling customizable, on-demand production.

2. How does this partnership benefit Decathlon?
The partnership allows Decathlon to reduce waste in their manufacturing process, produce locally, and offer more sustainable products to consumers.

3. Why is local production important?
Local production reduces transportation emissions, improves inventory management, and cuts down on unsold stock, all of which contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

4. How does Vega technology help with sustainability?
Vega technology reduces waste by weaving garments directly from yarn, eliminates the need for mass production, and supports on-demand, customizable clothing that minimizes excess inventory.

5. What impact will the EU’s Waste Framework Directive have on the fashion industry?
The EU’s Waste Framework Directive will impose stricter regulations on waste management, pushing the fashion industry to reduce overproduction and unsold inventory, making technologies like Vega even more crucial.

The post Decathlon Pulse Fuels Unspun’s 3D Weaving Expansion Across Europe appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

The post Mango Invests in Sustainable 3D Printing Start-Up Project appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

CEO Cornelius Shmitt gained industrial engineering experience from studying at the Clausthal University of Technology. By adopting his approach, he says that upcoming designers can enter short-run production without having to pay upfront for molds, or outsourcing production. Zellerfeld also markets its technology as a greener alternative to conventional footwear production processes, with the defense that 3D printed shoes are created with software, not assembly lines. The HERON01 is modeled to look like its namesake in the natural world. The sneaker’s scale-like aesthetics are meant to mimic those of a Heron’s feet, while the sole features a claw-life design. It has been reported that a limited run of the sneakers will later be made available via Zellerfeld this month.

Original Article: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/zellerfelds-recyclable-3d-printed-sneaker-to-reshape-footwear-for-the-better-197200/

The post HERON01 Running Shoe appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

Original Article: https://www.designboom.com/design/cracked-earth-patterns-shoe-hadar-slassi-digital-traditional-design-03-15-21/

The post “Walk Of Mind” Shoes appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

Hilos is founded by Stahl and Gaia Giladi, from a field of startups. Stahl and Giladi moved to Portland to start Hilos, with the hopes to be near Nike and Adidas. The company’s goal is zero-waste, additive footwear. Their shoes help bring performance, durability, and customization to 3D printing; all their shoes are premium and luxurious. The two founders saw the innovation and customization that 3D printing can bring, and how much footwear can use it. They felt footwear was missing a lot of the technology that could be useful. They have a very good approach and very useful ideas. I look forward to seeing what Hilos can do for 3D printed shoes in the future. To view the entire video interview, be sure to click on the link below!

Original Article: https://www.wweek.com/technology/2020/12/07/hilos-is-a-cinderella-story-with-the-slipper-made-on-a-3-d-printer/

The post Hilos Zero-Waste Company appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

Original Article: https://www.dezeen.com/2020/11/30/beate-karlsson-claw-shoes-kim-kardashian-bum-replica-silicone/

The post Karlsson Claw Shoes appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

The midsole continually maintains its support structure while still providing maximum comfort. Foam midsoles will gradually start indenting and forming to your foot upon wearing, causing loss of foot support. With advanced 3D printing technology and innovative material, this brings 3D printed shoes to a new level. LuxCreo Lab initiated this Kickstarter Campaign to prove sometimes the impossible is possible. The shoes will be available in both light and dark colors, and in various sizes for men and women.

Original Article: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bisca360/bisca360-the-worlds-first-3d-printed-waterproof-shoes

#3DShoes #3DPrintedShoes #3DPrinted

The post Waterproof 3D Shoes appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

Original Article: https://www.core77.com/posts/100260/These-Japanese-3D-Printed-Shoes-Are-Inspired-by-Four-Types-of-Clouds?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_title

#3DShoes #3DPrintedShoes #3DPrinted

The post 3D Shoes Inspired By Clouds appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.

The Guide 13 concentrates on cushioning and is also aimed at short-range runners as well as marathon runners. The shoe’s use of PWRRUN technology helps provide underfoot cushioning. The 13 also includes a new TPU guidance frame which guides your feel through the gait cycle. The Triumph 17 comes in 3 different colors for men, and 3 colors for women. With the Guide 13 also coming in similar colors. I’m hoping to see that Saucon will feature more 3D printing in their shoes soon.

Original Article: https://www.t3.com/us/news/saucony-triumph-17-Guide-13-price-release-date

#3DShoes #3DPrintedShoes #3DPrinted

The post Saucony Running Shoes appeared first on 3DSHOES.COM.