3D-printed fashion is rapidly gaining traction as designers and innovators push the boundaries of digital fabrication in apparel and accessories. Institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology, Penn State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University offer Masters in Science and Additive Manufacturing degrees that are designed to help future 3D printing fashion designers pioneer new ways in 3D printed fashion.
Institutions such as the Fashion Institute of Technology, Penn State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University among many other univesities now offer specialized programs—ranging from Master of Science degrees to Additive Manufacturing courses—aimed at equipping the next generation of designers with the skills to revolutionize the industry.
While many university programs emphasize the engineering and design aspects of additive manufacturing, they also prepare students to harness its transformative potential in fashion.
In this piece, we spotlight pioneering designers who have studied these disciplines and made a lasting impact in the industry. Additionally, we introduce a new wave of emerging talents who are exploring innovative applications of 3D printing in fashion and accessories.
Emerging 3d printed fashion designers
James Walsh
James Walsh is a CSM graduate who likes to freeze his designs in time. He likes to create motionless looks in 3D printing in several parts that sometimes take over 372 hours. Most of his work is inspired by static sculptures, Polly Pockets, and Porcelain Dolls. Walsh is heavily drawn to this type of 3D printing design as they represent timelessness.
In his own words, “As a designer, I am always questioning the importance of longevity surrounding clothing and wanted to create clothes that could, under the right circumstances, last forever.”
Walsh’s 3D collection is printed using CLO software that allows two-dimensional designs to be sewn together without wasting any material. According to Walsh, “I was able to create my desired shape, drape, and manipulate the garments how I wanted and then essentially print the theme out as 3D files.”
Ganit Goldstein
Specializing in 3D textiles, Ganit incorporates 3D scanning to create remarkably unique textiles for shoes, jewelry, and other wearables. Her journey in 3D printed fashion started at Tokyo University of the Arts, where she studied Japanese Ikat weaving. She is also an honorary graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem.
Her work focuses on exploring a hybrid mix of 3D technology and craftwork such as embroidery and weaving. At the Royal College of Arts in London, she is refining her techniques in smart textile development.
Her latest collection ‘WeAreAble’ presents the unique blend of 3D body scan and printing to create transformative new textiles.
Stephanie Santos
Presenting her ideas as ‘wardrobe of tomorrow’ Santos is on a path to creating handprints 3D printed fashion designs that take their inspiration from plants and the fungi kingdom. Santos offers ergonomic 3D designs that complement the elegance of the female body while allowing comfort and style.
In her latest designs, Santos has fused traditional couture with additive manufacturing creating a unique relationship between the wearer, the environment, and the garment. She gained her inspiration and experience for 3D printed fashion at different locations including studying art and design in France and Luxembourg.
Emerging 3D printed accessories designer:
Lada Lagina
Lada Lagina is a 3D-printed jewelry designer from California. Her work includes intricate handwork infused with innovative 3D printing techniques. She loves to infuse conventional handwork in jewelry design with cutting-edge 3D printing tools and techniques to ensure that the craftsmanship is retained in the final design. A lot of her designs are inspired by the colors in nature and the spiritual reading and knowledge that she has amassed over the years.
Niso Quero
Did you check out Grimes’s new tattoo, the beautiful alien scars? Niso Quero is one of the artists who collaborated on the project. We wanted to know more about her and discovered that her talents are far more diverse than we could have anticipated. For the tattoo, Quero takes the credit for digitally embellishing the design.
Based in Los Angeles, Quero did experiments with graffiti before he turned towards 3D design. His core interests lie in futuristic 3D-rendered designs, usually couture, and namely corsets. Talking to Vogue, he described his process as: “When I’m designing a piece inside my software, I don’t like to think of constraints. I would rather make it as imaginative and exciting as possible and then make compromises later. But I’ve learned a lot about designing for the body. The process has changed into more of a call and response. When I print pieces, I get a friend to try it on and tell me [if it’s uncomfortable] or unflattering.”
Currently, you can purchase a one-time NQ1 handcrafted chest piece on Quero’s website.
Below are some of Quero’s designs worth noting.
SCRY
SCRY is a footwear laboratory by @SCCCCCRY. The 3D footwear designer is merging technology, art, culture, environment, and design to make 3D footwear a reality. SCRY Shuttle is the world’s first wearable footwear that uses “Digital Embryo” as its underlying framework.
3D printed fashion is a booming industry, with a number of high-profile designers like Iris Van Herpen introducing 3D designs for the mainstream market. If you want to pursue a career in 3D printed fashion, check out our articles for more information.
If you’re looking for our latest update on the 3D printed fashion & accessory designers watch list for 2025, click here.
