Creative Design: Undergraduate

Bio-Engineered Body: Combining Couture Techniques with 3D Printing Technology 

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Abstract

Using new materialism and biophilia as a foundation, the present design used both couture construction and 3D printing to fuse natural inspiration with the human form. The strapless corset exaggerates the form of the human body with its padded hips, shaped bust panel, and abdominal seams. I chose to incorporate insect-like elements into this design as a reference to biophilia and the idea that humanity is interwined with nature. 3D-printed insect wind shapes are arranged on the corset in a size-descending order to mimic human abdominal muscles, with large 3D-pinted butterfly wings at the bust. For an additional element of tech, a 3D dotted pattern is printed onto the hip and bust panels. The skirt design features a paneled yoke with layers of gathered pink and beige tulle attached to the bottom. All elements work to create a new materialist look, wherein fabrics, technology, and the body are one. 

Keywords: 3D printing, couture, biophilia, draping

How to Cite:

Rigney, M. & Stannard, C. R., (2025) “Bio-Engineered Body: Combining Couture Techniques with 3D Printing Technology ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21763