united nude + 3D systems are re-inventing shoes for milan design week

united nude + 3D systems are re-inventing shoes for milan design week

on the occasion of the milan design week 2015, united nude and 3D systems present ‘re-inventing shoes’ — an exhibition which debuts new and exclusive 3D printed high heel concepts conceived by five of the world’s leading architects and designers: ben van berkel, fernando romero, michael young, ross lovegrove and zaha hadid.

michael young’s high heel design for ‘re-inventing shoes’

held at the teatro arsenale in via c. correnti 11, ‘re-inventing shoes’ brings to light united nude’s expertise in the area of technologically advanced woman’s footwear, pushing the boundaries of traditional footwear production. the creatives were invited to explore the potential of 3D printing technology as an application, and given the largest amount of sculptural freedom to design a pair of shoes. the resulting pieces have been produced using selective laser sintering rendered in a hard nylon, in combination with a soft rubber material — a feat in which united nude has found a solution for combining diverse printed parts to fabricate fully functioning footwear.
heel view of michael young’s women’s footwear concept for united nude

‘re-inventing shoes’ is on show at teatro arsenale, via c. correnti 11 within the 5vie art + design quarter during milan design week 2015. a press preview is being held on april 13th, from 11AM-6PM; with regular exhibition hours running april 14th-19th, from 11AM-9PM.

designboom is the exclusive online media partner of 5vie.

michael young

ben van berkel
image © inga powelleit

ross lovegrove

fernando romero

zaha hadid
image © brigitte lacombe

rem d. koolhaas, founder of united nude
image © roxanne lowit