Revolutionizing Fashion: Maria Alejandra Mora Sanchez's 3D Printed Adaptable Dress

Exploring the Intersection of Art, Technology, and Functionality in Fashion

Maria Alejandra Mora Sanchez, a designer known for her innovative approach to fashion, has created a unique piece that pushes the boundaries of traditional design. Her creation, 'Loom', is a 3D printed dress that adapts to all body types and changes. This adaptable, wearable, and flexible dress is a testament to the potential of 3D printing in the fashion industry.

Sanchez's inspiration for 'Loom' comes from the Wayuu tribe, an indigenous community from the Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia and northwest Venezuela. Known for their intricate textiles and crafts inspired by nature, the Wayuu tribe's influence is evident in the dress's design. The dress explores the possibilities of creating wearable 3D printed textiles with structures designed in relation to function, anatomy, movement, and utility.

The dress is made using Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and features ready-to-wear auxetic patterns which expand under longitudinal strain and contract when compressed. This unique property, combined with the use of 3D printing technology, sets 'Loom' apart from other designs in the market. The dress's added value lies in its material application, form, function, and the geometric arrangements of the patterns.

Sanchez's design process involved extensive research and testing. She wore a maternity belly for two weeks to understand the rapid and drastic body changes women experience during pregnancy. This experiment helped her understand how regular clothing adapts to body changes and types under these circumstances. Her findings led her to the solution of using auxetic patterns in her design.

'Loom' has been recognized for its innovative design and was awarded Silver in A' 3D Printed Forms and Products Design Award in 2019. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Sanchez's design is a testament to the potential of 3D printing in the fashion industry and offers a glimpse into the future of fashion.

In conclusion, Maria Alejandra Mora Sanchez's 'Loom' is a revolutionary piece in the world of fashion. It combines art, technology, and functionality in a way that challenges traditional design norms. The dress's unique properties and adaptability make it a remarkable example of the potential of 3D printing in the fashion industry.