Modeclix

Using 3D printing technology for fashion designs is not a new thing in fashion industry. However, coming with 3D printing technology there are so many challenges for designers.

How to make a fluid textile that would drape, flow and move? How to overcome the maximum print volume restriction of the 3D printer to produce something large enough to be worn? And how to allow someone with no CAD knowledge to create clothing, enabling anyone to explore their creativity while ensuring the finished garment would fit the customer?

The Modeclix project, led by Shaun Borstock and Mark Bloomfield (electrobloom), was initially developed to addresses the challenges of 3D printing technology.

Modeclix is an adaptable textile, additively manufactured as linked sheets and assembled by hand to create in the first instance customizable clothing, and the textile sheets can be put together in a variety of ways, allowing you to explore form and to drape. Therefore, the garments made with Modeclix can be adjusted to fit all body shapes, and can be in different styles to meet customers’ needs. Here, the adaptability not only means customizable forms and shapes, but also colors. Various colors can be combined together to create different interesting designs.

“As with any new material it takes time to discover what can be done with it, after experimenting for a couple of years we feel we’re finally getting the hang of it!”

“The more we play and create with Modeclix the more we realize it has many potential applications.”

Playing and experimenting with Modeclix allowed Shaun and Mark to get to know this fabric more, to access what it is capable of, and build familiarity with the material. Then they found out that Modeclix holds so many possibilities. The use of this 3D printed textile is not limited to producing only clothing. Designers can use Modeclix to make even bags and rings!

“We always knew we could adjust any of the garments to fit any body shape but one of the surprising discoveries was that we could also reuse the Modeclix components to make new things with. We simply deconstruct an existing garment and make a new one with from all the bits. Modeclix takes circular economic ideals and recycling to a whole new level!”

Yet, Shaun Borstock also explores current perceptions of luxury and the potential of additive manufacture in creating bespoke luxury using both traditional and digital techniques. The Modeclix 18000 Dress is one such example, a thrilling ‘little black dress’ in 3D printing with thousands of hand mounted crystals.