Some time ago, OFweek 3D Printing Network shared some exciting news about the growing trend of 3D printed clothing. Today, more and more fashion designers are exploring the potential of 3D printing in their work, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technology, materials, and style. One such innovator is footwear designer Silvia Fado, who is collaborating with 3D printing company HXX to create unique shoes using carbon fiber, aiming to test the limits of this cutting-edge technique.
Fado has always been drawn to new technologies and engineering, a passion that stems from her background as an architect. Although she eventually transitioned into fashion, her designs often reflect the structural thinking she learned during her architectural studies.
After mastering traditional shoemaking techniques in London, where she spent part of her childhood, Fado earned her master’s degree in fashion footwear design at the London College of Fashion. She enjoys blending both traditional craftsmanship and high-tech methods like 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining in her creative process.
Her latest project, CARBONALISE, was created for the South 36.32n fashion festival in Cadiz, Spain. This collaboration with HXX resulted in a series of 3D printed shoes made from carbon fiber, offering both lightweight performance and exceptional strength. These custom-made shoes come with a hefty price tag—up to 1,000 euros each.
Fado believes many high-end fashion shoes sacrifice functionality for aesthetics. In contrast, her project integrates key features from sports footwear, such as comfort, shock absorption, weight distribution, grip, and durability—elements often overlooked in traditional fashion footwear.
“I’ve been studying the comfort aspects of footwear, especially how they affect movement and support,†she explains. “I’m trying to bring these elements into the design of high-end women’s heels, making them not only stylish but also practical.â€
The design also considers how internal foot movements impact the shoe’s structure. Fado and her team developed various mechanisms, including springs, rubber balls, pneumatic systems, and metal rings, all enhanced by the use of carbon fiber.
Despite the high-tech approach, Fado still incorporates traditional craftsmanship into her production process, such as leatherworking, metal shaping, and wood forming. This blend of old and new makes her work truly unique and ahead of its time.
Hot Melt Adhesive,Eva Hot Melt Adhesives,Hot Melt Adhesive Middle Temperature,Pur Hot Melt Adhesive
Jiangxi Cuckoo New Material Co.,Ltd , https://www.jxcuckoo.com