Silvia Fado on innovation in the shoe industry using 3D printing

As 3D printing continues to grow in fashion, it has also very much extended itself into the shoe industry. One designer using the technology for her footwear is Silvia Fado. Her brand, of the same name, was established back in 2012. Enriched with a diverse background, such as knowledge about architecture and knitwear design, Silvia Fado’s perspective is a creative one. We wanted to learn more about 3D printing in footwear therefore we contacted her to get her opinion on the matter. Check out what she had to say on the subject.

3DN: Please introduce yourself and how you work with 3D printing?

I started my career studying architecture in La Salle (Ramón Llull), Barcelona; after that I graduated in Fashion in ESDI, Barcelona. I started my professional experience working for a big international retailer, in the knitwear department. After this period, I decided to specialise in footwear, following my true passion for shoes. I post graduated in MA Fashion Footwear in London College of Fashion (Cordwainers) with Distinction, and learnt the shoemaking traditional techniques from the renowned and talented Paul Thomas. My work is distinguished for being a synergy between high technology, rapid prototyping techniques and traditional shoemaking.

I am the CEO and Head Footwear Designer of my own brand, Silvia Fadó, created in 2012. Innovation and engineering are the key of the brand, working in collaboration with architects, engineers, chiropodist and vascular surgeons to develop each collection. The brand has been showcased in New York, London, Paris, St Petersburg, Eindhoven, Netherlands, Madrid, Barcelona and in very influential fashion publications. I use 3D printing and other 3D technologies as part of my prototyping and production process.