Lilach Porges Combines Roller Coasters, 3D Printing and Female Empowerment in Her Fashion Collection

The fashion industry is considered one of the biggest environmental polluters, putting it at the center of the sustainability debate. While large fashion companies are changing course in some of their production methods, suppliers of cheap fashion are striving to do the same. Although environmentally conscious consumers are now frequently turning to second-hand clothing and having a positive impact on the supply-demand system, the aim is to make production itself “greener”.

Forward-thinking companies are pioneering resource-conserving manufacturing methods and eco-friendly materials. Balena, for instance, champions compostable materials for textile production, strengthening this trend. Additionally, designers like Lilach Porges from Israel are actively striving to infuse sustainability into their professional realms. Porges recently unveiled her first ready-to-wear collection, dubbed the Roller Coaster collection, under her label PROCODE_DRESS. The garments were crafted using robot-controlled 3D printing techniques while utilizing sustainable printing materials.

Printing in process on the garments

Porges developed a unique 3D printing process exclusively for the Roller Coaster collection, employing robotic arms to execute various tasks. These versatile arms not only create intricate patterns but also handle fabric sewing, efficiently producing clothing directly from 3D printed textile materials, resulting in the ready-to-wear attire. The robot’s movements are coded and coordinated using mathematical patterns. In contrast to conventional 3D printers, robotic arms offer an advantage in that large areas can also be printed with no volume limitations. In addition, the robotic arm can move flexibly depending on the code programming and can also print on curved verticals.

This patented printing process leverages parametric design features tailored for textiles and fabrics, facilitating the automation of clothing manufacturing. Notably, the source materials are both sustainable and recyclable.  Once a dress completes its lifecycle, it can be seamlessly reprocessed into filament, laying the groundwork for the creation of new garments.

Female Empowerment Through Porges 3D-Printed Fashion

By combining fashion and technology, Porges aims to create a sustainable future for the fashion industry. In her design and production processes, Lilach Porges seamlessly blends elements from technology, natural sciences, and engineering with her expertise in fashion design. Her background in architecture further influences her collections, evident in the captivating shapes and vibrant hues reminiscent of architectural patterns.

Drawing inspiration from roller coasters, she named her ready-to-wear collection the Roller Coaster collection. As explained by Porges, the dynamic movements of roller coasters served as the blueprint for programming the robotic movements responsible for draping the fabric around the human body. Nevertheless, mathematical “errors” may occasionally manifest as imperfections in the execution and final appearance of the garment. However, Porges perceives this not as a disadvantage, but rather as an opportunity for uniqueness within the collection.

Beyond fostering a more efficient, resource-conscious fashion industry, Porges seeks to craft garments that are both distinctive and personalized. Central to her mission is the empowerment of women, a principle underscored by her Roller Coaster collection. With a vision to instill self-assurance and accentuate individuality, Porges aims to create fashion pieces that celebrate female uniqueness. Timed perfectly for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, the collection’s launch embodies this spirit of empowerment and inclusivity. You can learn more by clicking here.

What do you think of Liliach Porge’s 3D printing process and the Roller Coaster collection? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

All Photo Credits: procode_dress / Liliach Porges