FRANCIS BITONTI STUDIO INC.
glossary Biomimicry When we look to nature — its models, systems and elements — for inspiration to design and innovate, solving complex human problems through a little imitation. Kinda like burrs stuck to your pants are to Velcro, wings on a bird are to airplanes and the structure of seaweed is to the design of Julia Körner’s Kelp Jacket. Stereolithography When we let a laser beam slice through a vat of liquid resin and harden it layer by layer into intricate shapes, creating parts, prototypes and even haute couture like Iris van Herpen’s Hybrid Holism computer-drawn dress that appears as if it has been carved from petrified honey. Laser Sintering When we let a laser beam fuse together small particles or powders made of things such as plastic, metal, ceramic and glass, forming one larger desired three-dimensional shape like the silicon-coated flesh-tone dress from Iris van Herpen’s Biopiracy Collection.
THE MANY BEHIND THE ONE-OFFS New York-based designer Francis Bitonti likes to collaborate with a mix of startups, designers, Fortune 500s, computer programmers and material scientists to print his single- and small-production fashion creations, such as the 17-piece dress for burlesque star Dita Von Teese (at top and right), the Brambles jewelry collection (opposite page, top) and the Bristle Dress (opposite page, lower left).
DID YOU KNOW? / In 2014, celebrated clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger launched a line of clothing with solar cells to charge devices.
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ALBERT SANCHEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
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