Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a f**king sharp knife to it.
-Banksy
Platform 21 - Amsterdam, Zoe Bradley
Photo: Zoe Bradley Design Studio
‘My challenge has always been to come up with something unexpected, turning a sheet of 2D paper into a magical 3D sculpture.’ Bradley works with her hands creating a unique range of hand-sculpting techniques that literally bring the paper to life! “I work instinctively with paper rather than mathematically, the flow of the piece is important to me, so there is life and movement in the silhouette.”-Zoe Bradley
See
Look at the alternative materials used by different artists for the garments below. Notice how the materials are accentuated or disguised.
Artist Jeanne Simmons explores the connection between people and places–particularly natural surroundings—in her creative practice. Using natural materials like grass and flowers, she crafts handmade garments that intertwine figures with the environment, creating a physical connection that is normally only ever felt.
Dita Von Teese modeling the first fully 3D-printed dress. “It means you can 3D print your dress to your exact measurements at home,” Bolton said. “It’s environmentally friendly, too. There’s no waste, whereas there’s always waste with textiles.” Grabcad
Sonja Younger models the winning "Aluminations" The piece, by Cherry Bibler, Linda Lancaster, and Wanda Hecht of Sequim. The futuristic cape was created from metalized insulation. Younger removed the cape (right) to model the 1920s-style fringe dress made from pop-tops. PT Wearable Art
Wearable Art"Thorned Orange Biped," created by Margie McDonald and modeled by Bonnie Obremski. The piece is made of pulled plastic fencing affixed to a foam mat.
Norwegian designer Fredrik Tjærandsen's collection comprised eight looks in total, each featuring a balloon element. He sourced the rubber for the collection from Sri Lankan suppliers that support and buy from local growers. Dezeen
Say
Which of the above garments are you drawn to? Why?
Which materials are most surprising and push the boundaries most in your view?
Do you think it is likely that you will own any 3D-printed clothing in your lifetime?
Do
Zoe Bradley is an avid gardener, which inspired her creation of paper flowers. Create a paper version of your passion. (Where do you think paper airplanes come from?!)
Create your own paper flowers using junk mail, newspaper, and other recyclable papers.
Use this or other tutorials to create paper flowers. Push the boundaries with materials, color, scale or use. Share what you make!!
About the Artist: Zoe Bradley
“Creating the extraordinary from the ordinary”
The fashion-trained artist had apprenticed with the late Alexander McQueen in 1997, creating some of the key pieces for his S/S’ ready-to-wear 1999 catwalk show – including the headline-grabbing doily- punched wood fan corset and skirts, as well as prosthetic legs worn by Aimee Mullins.
Her unique experience at McQueen ignited in her a real love of craftsmanship and an eye for a show-stopping silhouette.
Bradley’s first commission was for the iconic London store Liberty. The brief was to create a ‘Magical Christmas Spectacle,’ designing five festive fashion showpieces for the windows. It was the first step in dreaming up the intriguing paper sculptures for which she is now best known.
Over the last fifteen years, Bradley has worked across many disciplines, combining fashion, display, and theatre in her bespoke installations.
She has become the go-to artist for some of the most recognizable global luxury brands. From Louis Vuitton and Selfridges to Smythson and Christian Louboutin – each looking for innovative ways to visually complement their products.
Bradley works like a tailor and applies her artistry using the paper form.
‘I work with paper just as a designer works with fabric: folding, pleating, curling, and stitching the material,’ she explains of the process.
The ZB product is primarily hand-crafted and made in her studio in Wales. Employing techniques of die cutting, laser cutting, and unique hand-sculpted finishes. Although her signature material is paper, recent commissions have involved creations in plastic and metal.
Inspired by the natural world and the beauty of flowers and nature that surround her rural home, Bradley is passionate about sculpting in paper and using this medium to create the most detailed representation of flower varieties. Bradley’s love of nature and gardening has been passed down from previous generations from her grandfather and mother, who were both keen and inventive gardeners.
Her designs have also been published in numerous books, as well as featuring in exhibitions in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and New York.
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