VUE

F rom creating organs to construct- ing buildings, the versatility of 3D printing is shown in the extensive amount of products the process can create. High-end eyewear brand MYKITA is not one to shy away from the advancements that 3D printing has provided. Their large variety of styles remain minimalist, chic, and gravitate towards the futuristic side; whilst not forgetting the comfortability of 'vintage' styles. Other than the uniqueness of design, 3D printing has multitude of benefits that MY- KITA has been striving to uphold. The print- ing binds a fine polyamide powder allowing MYKITA's frames to remain lightweight and comfortable for the wearer. The economy of 3D printing the frames results in a virtually waste-free process; this method proves to be something that not only makes MYKITA stand out, but stand up for the environment. MYKITA Creative Director and Managing Partner Moritz Krueger attributes their man- ufacturing process to the automotive industry which uses said process to create small pro- totype engine parts. The MYKITA MYLON collection is crafted through Selective Laser Sintering in which a laser fuses polyamide powder into solid objects. By choosing this process, MYKITA can maintain a higher stan- dard of craftsmanship whilst not sacrificing the beauty of their designs. MYKITA's signature design follows a self-described goal of "[removing] objects from their conventional environment and [placing] them within a new context." This in- cludes their shops, which are designed by an in-house architectural firm. The stark white, backlit MYKITA WALL displays each pair of sunglasses/glasses in a setting that showcases the individuality of each pair. The free-stand- ing wall uses a heavy-duty shelving system that can be converted to function both as worktables and trade fair stands. This presen- tation follows the simplistic yet elegant form that comes from the design of MYKITA's un- paralleled products. MYKITA is the first brand to venture into the realm of manufacturing eyewear via the Selective Laser Sintering process. With the innumerable benefits of 3D printing, it will be fascinating to see how this will effect the fash- ion industry in the foreseeable future. VUE ON FASHION V U E N J . C O M 50

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