THE 3D PRINTED CHROME HEELS

The following is a series of six different 3D printed designs for high heels. All designs are derived from random sources of inspiration within fashion editorials and current modern couture runway shows.

This project is an exploration on the future structural design capabilities with footwear using a 3D Bambu Lab printer and Rhino3D CAD software.

This series utilizes three different styles of heels found at a thrift store to show how the process of upcycling fast fashion pieces can be taken even further with new technology.

Customization and upcycling is the savior we need in today’s world of fast fashion.

Chrome Pipes

Version 1: on a brown, strappy square toe heel

Inspired by the capabilities of the pipe command in the Rhino3D CAD software.

The heel was printed in two parts and sandwiched together over the original stiletto and the front platform was printed in one session all in PETG filament using the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Chrome Steps

Version 2: On a black, leather, platform, ankle boot.

Inspired by previous full material renderings of concept heels I made in Rhino3D in previous years.

The front platform and heel were printed in one session in PETG filament using the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Chrome Horns

Version 3: on a brown, strappy square toe heel

Inspired by earrings and jewelry designed by Hugo Kreit

Heel details and front frame on strap printed all in one session using PETG using the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Chrome Moons

Version 4: On a classic white pointed stiletto heel

Inspired by the styling of all pieces for the Vietnamese based clothing brand Laluneofficial

All pieces printed in several rounds to determine the best orientation since no faces were completely flat. All pieces printed using PETG filament on the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Chrome Frames

Version 5: On a black, leather, platform, ankle boot

Inspired by a previous leather working technique implemented on shoes I created the previous year as shown here.

Printed in one session in PETG filament using the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Chrome Stars

Version 6: On a classic white pointed stiletto heel

Inspired by current footwear being produced by couture designer Robert Wun.

Printed in two sessions in PETG filament using the Bambu Lab 3D printer.

The following photos highlight some of the key processes for making the attachments. I always started with a sketch to later translate to a more 3D paper model.

The paper model helps inform the dimensions needed when modeling the form in Rhino3D more accurately before printing the final product out of Nylon, PLA, or TPU filaments.