Pitchfork   The Dissolve   Festivals: Chicago | Paris
:
Verameat Terrier Ring

On February 9 in celebration of New York Fashion Week, the Ace Hotel is hooking up with 3D printing company Shapeways, a select group of talented analog jewelry designers, and CAD modelers to show how digital technology can revolutionize the industry.  

Designers including VeraMeat, Ursa Major, In God We Trust, and others will team up with CAD modelers thefuturefuture, Bits to Atoms’ Duann Scott, and Kostika Spaho for an interactive jewelry bazaar that lets visitors take part in the creation of their own custom-made pieces via MakerBot 3D printers.

But how will this whole thing work exactly? We asked Vera Balyura of VeraMeat for the details:

NoMA: How will the interactive part of the jewelry bazaar work? Did you have to prepare designs in advance?

VeraMeat: We did prepare and design a custom-made two finger duster ring. I think the original idea was to have our ring printed in front of the customer, but now due to time limitations the orders will be made after the event with the personalized custom details. We have fun working in this new way and are excited to get customer feedback once they receive their VeraMeat. We’re so excited to be a part of this Ace event as we love Ace. And it's wonderful to learn a new technique.

NM: Were there any materials that you normally use that you could not due to the 3D printing process?

VM: We use silver a lot and that was an option so we didn’t have a problem.

NM: You’re analog design process is intricate and on a smaller scale which makes your pieces special. Do you see 3D printing as a way to branch out and pursue further retail opportunities—more products for a larger audience?

We have three retail stores and an online store already—two stores in New York and one new store opening in Beverly Hills on February 12. So we have been able to grow the VeraMeat brand using normal casting technique. We have a lot of flexibility with this historic style. 3D printing is just another exciting option.  

Local Designers Print 3D is open to the public Feb 9, 1-5pm in the lobby of the Ace Hotel, NYC.

Ace Hotel, 20 W 29th St  New York, NY 10001; (212) 679-2222