3-D printers create new hype in fashion(3)

3-D-printed earrings created by Finnish designer Pekka Salokannel. Provided to China Daily

Finnish designer Pekka Salokannel. Provided to China Daily

Young Chinese fashion designers are already using 3-D printers, but their numbers are small because of the relatively high cost of the raw materials, says Gong Yan, an associate professor at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. Domestic designers also do not fully understand the technology's potential for creativity, he says.

Despite the size and reach of China's traditional fashion manufacturing, Gong believes 3-D printing will one day become widespread here because it's a great tool for customization. The technology's sustainability also works in its favor, especially in a country that is trying to stem the destruction of its environment.

Traditional manufacturing involves a series of processes "that produces a lot of waste", says Gong, who is also a member of the All-China Environment Federations' research committee on environmental protection standards. "With 3-D printing, you only use what you want to buy."

Salokannel, together with his local partner, the fashion technology company 360Fashion Network, is looking into selling his creations in China. They are considering different business models, including one where customers visit a store to personalize-and print their purchases-on the spot.