coperni 3D prints ariel’s swipe bag inside a pool of water gel for its SS25 at disneyland paris

Coperni introduces 3D printed Ariel swipe bag

Coperni introduces the 3D printed Ariel Swipe Bag during its SS25 show at Disneyland Paris. It’s not the first, and definitely not the last, time that the French fashion brand pulls a design stunt like this, given their previous Swipe Bag made of 99% air using NASA’s silica aerogel. This time, they’ve worked with Rapid Liquid Print, a gravity-free manufacturing company spun out of MIT. They’re the ones who helped bring Ariel’s very own Swipe Bag to life using recyclable silicone. The 3D printing takes place inside a water-based gel. As soon as the machine finishes, Coperni reveals their Ariel Swipe Bag at Disneyland Paris. It’s the rightful home of the mermaid and the set for their SS25 show, which took place on October 1st, 2024.

all video stills courtesy of Coperni, via Instagram

Recyclable silicone’s printing inside water-based gel

The video posted by Coperni documents how the 3D printing happens. There’s an aquarium of water-based gel that holds the recyclable silicone’s printing process and ensures it doesn’t fall apart or move. A very thin and sharp needle with a nozzle dives into the pool of gel and begins the print. Layer by layer, it churns out the silicone, colored in Ariel’s recognizable blue shade, and slowly forms the shape of the brand’s Swipe Bag.

When it reaches the top, the machine finishes the design by joining the two loose ends of the handle together. The printer comes from Rapid Liquid Print, and the Swipe Bag is also made from platinum-cured silicone alongside the recyclable silicone. The manufacturing company carries out the printing in their facility and explains that unlike traditional 3D printing, which is done layer by layer, their process ‘draws’ objects, suspended in a water-based gel.

Ariel’s very own Swipe Bag being brought to life using recyclable silicone and a 3D printer

soft and stretchable products using ‘non-toxic materials’

Printing objects inside the gel allows for the creation of soft and stretchable products that are not ‘subject to the hindrances of gravity,’ says Coperni. The teams add that the production of the Ariel Swipe Bag and other similar pieces also uses non-toxic materials, which may help have a minimal environmental impact.

‘Without the need for extensive post-processing, the bag is ready for immediate use right after printing,’ writes Coperni. As of publishing this story, the Coperni Ariel Swipe Bag has yet to hit the brand’s online stores, but fans may acquire the Mickey Mouse Swipe Bag in the meantime.

view of the finished Coperni Ariel Swipe Bag