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New traditionalism: Pringle crafts collection from 3D-printed fabrics

By Darcy Summerton 20 : 02 : 2014 Richard Beckett : 3D Printing : Textiles

London – Luxury knitwear brand Pringle of Scotland has brought the first collection of 3D printed garments to the ready-to-wear catwalk.

The AW 2014 collection shown at London Fashion Week incorporates laser-sintered nylon fabrics with traditional knitwear. The brand collaborated with architect and material scientist Richard Beckett to create 3D-printed pieces that are seamlessly integrated into jacket cuffs and surface designs for sleeveless tops and sweaters.

Pringle AW14 collection in collaboration with Richard Beckett

‘I wanted to explore a move away from the more sculptural, costume approach of such pieces, towards a more material, haptic-based approach,’ said Pringle of Scotland head of design Massimo Nicosia. Approaching its 200th year anniversary, the heritage brand is proving itself as a fashion-tech innovator, adding a new layer of tactile qualities to luxury garments.

3D printing has been inspiring artists, architects and engineers for the past few years, and has been spotted on the Haute Couture catwalks. Pringle claims this is the first time the application is being used in ready-to-wear.

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