Chromatic 3D Materials to unveil a 3D-printed dress that glows on its own

Chromatic 3D Materials, a leading 3D printing technology company, has collaborated with the Dutch high-tech fashion designer Anouk Wipprecht to introduce an innovative 3D printed dress that boasts a futuristic design, complete with responsive LEDs. This creation from Chromatic represents one of the world’s first garments to seamlessly integrate electronics into 3D printed elastomers.

The collaboration between Chromatic and Wipprecht showcases the potential of their 3D printing technology for practical commercial applications. Anouk Wipprecht utilised 3D printing to affix approximately 75 flexible LED domes directly to the fabric of the dress, eliminating the need for traditional adhesive or stitching methods. Chromatic emphasises that this technology could be extended to design forward-thinking running apparel, bags, footwear, and various other products.

The dress is created using Chromatic’s proprietary material, ChromaFlow 70, which is both pliable and heat-resistant. Remarkably, this material can be draped and stretched to over four times its original length without suffering damage. As a result, it is ideally suited for various types of apparel, including intimate and leisure garments, sportswear, swimwear, and other clothing where comfort, form, and durability are prerequisites.

Anouk Wipprecht shares her perspective on her dress in a press statement, noting, “For me, it’s a glimpse into a future where people harness technology in positive and meaningful ways. I also see this garment as a testament to the quality of Chromatic’s 3D materials and printing technology. Plus, Chromatic’s materials are both flexible and strong, making this my most wearable — and washable — 3D-printed dress yet.”

Cora Leibig, the Founder and CEO of Chromatic 3D Materials, expressed enthusiasm about the endless possibilities of merging technology, textiles, and apparel, including wearable art and 3D-printed clothing for everyday use.

Chromatic highlights that garments utilising 3D-printed elastomers maintain their drape, which enhances their commercial viability in the realms of ready-to-wear clothing, activewear, and intimate apparel. The company also underscores that Wipprecht’s dress demonstrates how 3D printing with Chromatic’s elastomers can facilitate the creation of waterproof casings to safeguard embedded electronics. The grand debut of this pioneering design by Anouk Wipprecht will take place at Formnext 2023 in Frankfurt, scheduled for 7th November.

Recently, Adobe also launched its Project Primrose, unveiling a dress with smart display fabric that can change its designs and forms, like on a digital screen. These new revelations in apparel fusing fashion and technology together are marking a new era for the apparel industry.