Source: Epson Singapore. Display, Wai Yang.
Epson, a printing technology company, partnered with designers based in Singapore for FashionisTech, a showcase at the recent FUZE Fashion Technology 2017 event in Singapore. The designers used Epson’s digital printing technology to create their collections.
Organized by Textile and Fashion Federation (TAFF), the summit was the first of its kind in Singapore. It promoted advancements in materials and highlighted creative uses of technology by Singaporean fashion brands.
Singaporean brands Wai Yang, Pleatation, and Ying The Label used Epson’s digital dye-sublimation textile and direct-to-garment printers. Each designer presented six outfits from their collections at the event.
Source: Epson Singapore. Wai.
Wai Wai, who was born in Burma, launched her Singapore-based label Wai Yang in 2016. The printed pieces from the showcase will be part of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection. Inspired by a deserted building in Prague, the collection uses bold prints and boxy, masculine shapes.
Wai’s designs give new purpose to discarded items, transforming trash and flawed objects into abstract prints. Torn cardboard boxes, dead leaves, wire, and bubble wrap are just some of the materials she uses.
These designs are transformed into subtle prints on carefully chosen textiles using various techniques, including dye-sublimation, direct printing, and textured screen-printing. The result is a collection with a distinct tactile quality.
“It was an eye-opening experience to create my collection with a digital textile printer for the first time," Wai said. “The printer accurately reproduced my designs, capturing the colors vividly. I discovered that different printing effects can be achieved on various materials while experimenting with the printing process. I love that it is possible to experiment with many unusual materials as well. All my print designs are printed beautifully and would otherwise never have been used, adding a new dimension and richness to my designs and pieces.”
Source: Epson Singapore. Chiang.
Pleatation is a Singaporean brand specializing in pleated clothing, stationery, home goods, and lifestyle products. At FUZE, Pleatation debuted its Resort 2017/2018 collection, Le Enchant. The collection features vibrant, pleated designs inspired by enchanted forests. It was printed using dye-sublimation printing.
“When printing with Epson’s digital textile technology, I’ve noticed the colors are brighter and more vibrant,” said Chiang Xiaojun, the founder of Pleatation. “Digital textile printing speeds up production, which is crucial for my business. New designs and collections must be created and delivered to stores quickly. Unlike other printing technologies I’ve used, Epson’s dye-sublimation printing technology vividly reproduces my designs. I’m grateful for this collaboration.”
Xiaojun deconstructs the basic silhouettes of everyday essentials, using color, print, and texture to create new styles.
Source: Epson Singapore. Li.
Ying The Label’s collection, created in collaboration with Epson, is inspired by the concept of contentment and living in the moment. Li Ying, the founder and designer, uses bright strokes of color to represent feelings in “The Moment,” finding a silver lining in every obstacle. Using dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment printing, the relaxed silhouettes are intentionally simple, highlighting the details of Li Ying’s art.
“Printing with Epson’s digital textile printing technologies has opened up new possibilities in terms of textures and turnaround time," Li said. “It has been an incredible journey to experiment with textiles and see the colors of the printed fabric. I am currently researching ways to use Epson’s printing technology in future collections.”
Li’s art features abstract brush strokes in whimsical color palettes that highlight the individuality of each piece.
“This collaboration with the designers highlights the capabilities and adaptability of our digital textile printers,” said Shuji Hamaguchi, Regional GM (Southeast Asia), Epson Singapore. “It also demonstrates the opportunities available to the fashion industry. We want to help designers realize their creative visions. Designers are now free to express their creativity without limits in color or design thanks to our innovative printing technology.”
Compared to traditional printing methods, which necessitate large quantities and lengthy lead times, digital printing allows for speedier turnaround times and smaller print runs for bespoke designs. Digital printing allows designers to realize their artistic vision by quickly, easily, and accurately translating their ideas onto various fabrics.
Epson digital dye-sublimation printers use Epson’s Micro Piezo and PrecisionCore TFP head technology. Micro Piezo printheads, unlike thermal inkjet systems, eject ink droplets using mechanical pressure rather than heat. This makes them compatible with a broader range of inks and mediums. Epson’s Micro Piezo printers generate almost no ink waste by precisely controlling the volume of ink in each droplet. They also ensure that sharp, rich, and nearly grain-free images are produced every time.
The FUZE Fashion Technology 2017 summit took place in Singapore from March 16-17, 2017.