The University of Hertfordshire revolutionises 3D printed fashion with the MODECLIX project

The MODECLIX project is the latest leap forward for the fashion industry as the project has successfully developed products that are uniquely customisable and wearable. Shaun Borstrock, Associate Dean for Business and Innovation, is the architect behind the project, which has been created in collaboration with renowned 3D specialist and designer Mark Bloomfield (electrobloom).

Until now, more elaborate, sculptural couture 3D ‘prints’ have graced the catwalk for designers including Iris van Herpen, Chanel and Noa Raviv. One of the biggest challenges with 3D Printing technology to date has been how to make it wearable. This unique project addresses that challenge by ‘printing’ textiles that are flexible with movement and mimic traditional cloth.

The complex design process involved in making these revolutionary garments represents a huge breakthrough for garment technology and 3D printing. The project focuses on an interpretation of weave, stitch and knit. The initial prototypes are 3D printed as pieces of textile that have enough movement to ensure that they are fluid and represent a ‘fabric’ that can be used to make a garment. Featuring eight dresses and two headpieces this collection is the first to make 3D concepts wearable and can be customised to any size and shape either before printing or after, by adjusting the intricate links to fit by hand. They can also be dyed in an endless spectrum of thousands of colours.

This elegant collection, designed to flatter your natural shape without compromising on style or comfort, will be premiered April 21st at the Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South Africa International Fashion Film Festival.

Dr Shaun Borstrock, Associate Dean and Head of the Digital Hack Lab at the University of Hertfordshire, was one of the key architects behind the project. “Previous 3D printed designs have been mostly conceptual pieces that are solid, with little or no movement. We have strived to create stylish 3D printed garments that have sufficient movement to ensure they are fluid, eye-catching and comfortable to wear. These prototypes are made, dyed and finished by hand and our aim now is to produce them for a wider market,” says Dr Borstrock. “It will only be a matter of time before we see 3D collections on the high street and 3D printing technology in stores as part of everyday life. We’re pleased to be part of the movement that is exploring how this might become a reality.”

Mark Bloomfield, Managing Director of electrobloom commented, “I’ve spent the last 25 years exploring how technology and 3D printing can enhance production techniques for jewellery and accessories, and this has been a fantastic opportunity to take this research even further. There is a huge amount of potential to develop complex construction techniques that defy traditional pattern cutting and create garments that are multi-functional, customisable and wearable.”

The collection will available to view online from 1 May 2016 at digitalhacklab.herts.ac.uk and modeclix.com. It will also be available to view in store from 23 May 2016 at electrobloom, Studio 2.11, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, London.

You can view a short film of the making of the collection here: http://www.herts.ac.uk/digitalhacklab/modeclix