The 3D printed hat for Royal Ascot by milliners Gabriela Ligenza
For a sporting occasion, Royal Ascot is as much about the headwear in the stands as the horses under the jockeys, with Ladies’ Day prompting the crowds to don spectacular, eye-catching headpieces.
So with 3D printing still a headline grabbing snare, I was unsurprised to see a hat of white nylon SLS appearing in the stands, however it is rather a thoughtful piece.
The design by milliners Gabriela Ligenza is formed by the words from racing poet Henry Birtles, his poem specially penned for the event, with the words in 3D coiling around the wearer’s head.
Working with Lille University, a digital creative and Inner Leaf, a specialist 3D modeller for the fashion and TV industries, Gabriela Ligenza has created a capsule collection showcasing the variety and potential of 3D printing and its application within contemporary accessory design.
The CAD model was sent to be 3D printed in a single build at UK bureau 3T RPD, using its giant EOS laser sintering machines.
The process is documented nicely in the video at the bottom of the page, with 3T RPD’s CEO Dr Ian Halliday taking the fashionista’s through the dusty workings of the sintering process, clean up and ready for delivery to the lucky racegoer.
//www.youtube.com/embed/fmO2Wpxz6yk?rel=0
