Leo Carlton Bridges The Physical and Digital World With New E-Store

Fashion’s fascination with the digital world is at an all-time high as more brands are harnessing new technologies from AI to AR in pushing their design process. One such designer is the fashion artefact designer and 3D sculptor Leo Carlton whose 3D-printed headpieces have captivated the industry. The former Sarabande artist-in-residence began assisting master milliner Stephen Jones shortly after graduating in 2014 and their innovative approach has seen them collaborate with Charles Jeffrey, Tim Walker, and of course, SHOWstudio on headpieces and accessories for ikon-1. Now anyone can get their hands on one of the designer's bespoke creations through their recently launched e-store.

Dubbed Talismans, Carlton's creations are now available for order. The bespoke creations, including the Shade Waves donned by Jazzelle's digital avatar for SHOWstudio's premier NFT collection ikon-1, are all developed using VR technology Oculus Rift. With circularity at the core of the brand's design ethos, this process allows for bespoke sizing and stability testing before any physical materials are used, thus minimising waste. Each design is then 3D-printed using PLA (polylactic acid) filament. Created from plant and corn starch, the biodegradable material is both renewable and compostable.

Allowing users to engage with their products in an innovative way, the website provides a 3D avatar that can be dressed up in the designer's covetable creations. Utilising this digital avatar gives users the ability to not only visualise the sizing of the brand's headpieces, necklaces, and earrings, it also makes it easier than ever to plan styling prior to purchasing. We wouldn't be surprised if more e-commerce platforms took advantage of similar technology in the near future.

You can learn more about PLA filament and order your own fashion artefacts at leocarlton.com