Stunning 3D printed structural gowns and garments, inspired by nature in motion

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — May 7, 2019 — Zac Posen, GE Additive and Protolabs unveiled a collaboration featuring a range of innovative, sculptural 3D printed garments and accessories - inspired by the concept of freezing natural objects in motion. Over the past six months, Zac Posen and his creative team have explored a range of 3D printing and digital technologies with design engineers and 3D printing experts from GE Additive and Protolabs. This collaboration has resulted in breathtaking results - unlike any 3D printed garments produced before.

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Jourdan Dunn’s custom Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs rose gown features 21 total petals, averaging 20 inches in size and weighing 1 lb. each. The petals and interior bodice were 3D printed and finished with primer and color shifting paint (DuPont “Twilight Fire” Chromalusion). (Photo: Getty Images)

With his vision and foresight, Zac Posen is demonstrating that almost anything is possible with 3D printing. He and his team are not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible. His latest collaboration is a continuation of his vision of incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovation in his sophisticated and glamorous style.

“I dreamt the collection, GE Additive helped engineer it and Protolabs printed it,” said Zac Posen.

Capturing Nature in Motion

Four gowns and a headdress featuring 3D printed elements and structures were unveiled at the Met Gala, and worn by British supermodel Jourdan Dunn, actresses Nina Dobrev, Katie Holmes, Julia Garner and Bollywood icon, Deepika Padukone.

Jourdan Dunn wore a custom Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs rose gown. The gown features 21 total petals, averaging 20 inches in size and weighing 1 lb. each. Every petal is unique. The petals are fastened in place by a modular cage which is invisible from the outside. This dress was designed to a 3D re-creation of Jourdan’s body. The petals are made of Accura Xtreme White 200 durable plastic and printed on a stereolithography (SLA) machine. The petals are finished with primer and color shifting automotive paint (DuPont “Twilight Fire” Chromalusion). The cage that fastens the petals are made of Titanium (Ti-64) printed on a GE Additive Arcam EBM machine. The printing and finish of the rose gown took over 1,100 hours and was printed at Protolabs’ 3D printing facility in North Carolina, one of the largest in the world.

Nina Dobrev wore a custom Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs bustier. The bustier is a clear printed dress with 4-piece assembly for custom fit. The interior is designed to perfectly match Nina Dobrev’s 3D re-creation. The bustier is made of Somos Watershed XC 11122 plastic and printed on a stereolithography (SLA) machine. It was sanded and sprayed with a clear coat to give it a glass appearance. The printing and finish of the bustier took over 200 hours and was printed at Protolabs’ 3D printing facility in Germany.

Katie Holmes wore a custom Zac Posen gown with a Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs palm leaf collar accessory. The pearlescent purple palm leaves are draped over the shoulders and attached to the gown at the neckline. The palm leaves are made of Accura 60 plastic and printed on a stereolithography (SLA) machine. The structure is finished with pearlescent purple paint (Pantone 8104C) and holds the custom Zac Posen water colored tulle gown at the clavicle. The printing and finish of the palm leaves took over 56 hours and was printed at Protolabs in North Carolina.

Julia Garner wore a custom Zac Posen ombré silver to gold lamé gown with a Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs headpiece. The intricate printed vine headpiece with leaf and berry embellishments is printed as a single piece and made of Nylon 12 plastic and printed on a Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) machine. The headpiece is finished by brass plating. The printing and finish of the headdress took over 22 hours and was printed at Protolabs in North Carolina.

Deepika Padukone wore a custom Zac Posen metallic pink lurex jacquard gown. This gown includes Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs embroidery which have been sewn on. The embroidery is made of Accura 5530 plastic and printed on a stereolithography (SLA) machine. The embroidery is vacuum metalized, and center painted with Pantone 8081 C. These 408 delicately printed embroidery pieces are attached to the outside of the custom gown. The printing and finish of the embroideries took over 160 hours and was printed at Protolabs in North Carolina.

In addition, Zac Posen and his other guests are also incorporating 3D printed accessories to their evening wear;

Zac Posen wore a Brooks Brothers made-to-measure purple velvet shawl collar dinner jacket and black tuxedo pant with coordinating pink vest, tuxedo shirt and bow tie. He also wore Zac Posen x GE Additive x Protolabs palm leaf brooches. These lapel brooches are designed to mimic the larger palm leaf in a scaled down design and are made of high resolution Accura 5530 printed on stereolithography (SLA) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) machines. The brooches are finished in pearlescent purple and gold paint.