3D Printers, Micro-controllers, Advanced Materials and
Wearable Technology are the future of the fashion industry. Tara Brown a Forbes
contributor wrote an article named “The Future of Fashion: Download File and
Print” where she explains some of the current technology, immersing itself with
today’s fashion industry. She also touches on some of the mergers happening as
more engineers and architects are partnering with designers and using their
knowledge to produce wearable technologies. These partnerships will continue to
expand across the industry, technology will encapsulate the runway and soon the
consumer will be able to take part by purchasing and creating their own gadgets.
This is a remarkable advancement and allows the fashion industry to make
strides in areas untouched before.
I have one problem with this growth, how do these
technologies work to better our planet and our over-consumption lifestyles?
These ideas seems to be feeding into the ever growing consumer age where more
is better. I’d rather spend my time admiring a sustainable practice instead of
watching a tech-couture fashion show. I’d rather own a beautiful garment that
was hand embroidered or created from recycled materials and made with love or
for a purpose, than something printed from a machine. This is my opinion and
although the 3D printing age is upon us, I have found a company who is using
this technology in an innovative way with the planet in mind.
Will.i.am. has partnered with Coco-Cola and 3D Systems to
create EKOCYCLE the brand and the EKOCYCLE Cube 3D printer. Will.i.am. the Chief Creative Officer
approached Coco-Cola with his idea for the 3D printer after he was inspired
from viewing the aftermath of garbage and lack of recycling after one of his
shows. He couldn’t understand why more people didn’t recycle and wanted to find
a way to reuse the waste that is accumulated every day. The EKOCYCLE Cube 3D
printer uses recycled plastic bottle and cans, to create a filament cartridge that
will then be placed in the printer to create new products. EKOCYCLE believes
that materials can always have a new beginning. The products printed since its
creation last year have been accessories, gadgets/tech gear as well as fashion
items such as suits, shirts and hats. Consumers can purchase the waste-less
products directly online or take part in the movement by purchasing their own
Cube printer from Cubify.
I have more respect for companies that work towards innovation
and who also take part in sustainable activities, especially if those
activities clean up the mess consumers create from consuming products. Don’t be
afraid to contradict growth and applaud those who take part in innovation
through sustainability. This is technology I can believe in.
Below are some awesome videos to get you more familiar with
EKOCYCLE.
Get inspired! Recycling is cool!
Forbes Article:
About EKOCYCLE:
EKOCYLE Shop: