A new 3D printing design trend is taking the fashion world by storm. Ultimaker, a leading 3D printer manufacturer, is paving the way for technology to transform the fashion world by expanding designers’ freedom and opportunities. Visionary designers and studios Chris van den Elzen, Julian Hakes and XYZ Workshop shook up the fashion world when they used Ultimaker 3D printers to produce their unique designs. Ultimaker’s 3D printing technology is designed to push the boundaries of reality, and fashion is no exception.

Chris van den Elzen’s Excidium shoe was inspired by abandoned cityscapes taken over by nature. The towering architectural heel is entirely 3D printed, using a filament that looks remarkably similar to wood called woodFill, produced by ColorFabb. Ultimaker’s open filament system allowed van den Elzen to experiment with different types of filament to achieve the look he envisioned for his design. Van den Elzen manufactures each shoe individually using his Ultimaker, seamlessly integrating skilled craftsmanship with high-tech design and allowing consumers to wear a piece crafted using a 3D printer. To hear van den Elzen explain his process, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmrwjwUppmE.

Julian Hakes used 3D printing to design and produce prototypes of his futuristic Mojito Shoe, a high heel designed to support the natural weight-distribution of the foot with a winding minimalist design. To learn more about Hakes visit: https://ultimaker.com/learn/3d-printed-and-prototyped-shoes-by-julian-hakes

XYZ Workshop sent its inBloom dress, a dress made entirely using 3D printed material, down the catwalk at New York’s 3D Printshow where it was the longest dress made using a 3D printer. The inBloom printer is part of XYZ Workshop’s Fashion Suite.