Dita Von Teese models Michael Schmidt’s fully articulated 3D dress at the Ace Hotel in New York. Photos by Glenn Belverio

Dear Shaded Viewers,

Last night I attended a private cocktail to celebrate the unveiling of my friend Michael Schmidt’s fully articulated 3D gown, gorgeously modeled by the Queen of Curvaceous, Dita Von Teese. The dress was designed by Schmidt and 3D modeled by architect Francis Bitonti
to be 3D printed in Nylon by Shapeways. The gown was assembled from 17
pieces, dyed black, lacquered and adorned with over 13,000 Swarovski
crystals to create a sensual flowing form.

As per the Shapeways site: “Thousands of unique components were 3D printed in a flowing mesh
designed exactly to fit Dita’s body. This represents the possibility
to 3D print complex, customized fabric like garments designed exactly to
meet a specific person or need. As we see the material properties of
3D printing mature to produce more fine, flexible materials we will see
more and more forays into fashion such as this. At first it is at the
boundaries of haute couture and art but as we have seen with Nike using 3D printing in footwear, we will see more and more 3D printing creep into the world of clothing and fashion until it becomes ubiquitous.”

Besides the dress, the best thing about the party was that it was an Old Home Week of NYC nightclub legends with rockabilly, glam rock and punk spun by the incomparable DJ Miss Guy. And the Ace Hotel was a great setting for it. (I love the Ace brand and a few years ago Schmidt and I had a super time staying at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs.)