Lidewij van Twillert

Lidewij van Twillert uses 3D printing to create a custom, patented breast support element called the Curvearis, which precisely follows body curves and is based on a personal 3D body scan. Her company, Arí van Twillert – of which she is Design Engineer and Founder – is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

“I mainly use 3D printers to print prototypes to determine if the fit is actually correct – personal preference is a big factor for my product,” Lidewij says. “Next to that, all my new designs in terms of jewelry and aesthetic fashion elements are first 3D printed.”

While Lidewij was earning her engineering degree at Delft University of Technology, she realized that 3D scanning could be greatly benefit the bra – a garment notoriously difficult to fit. Understanding this, Lidewij was able to combine her interests in fashion and technology – thus paving the way for both Arí van Twillert and the Curvearis.

If you 3D print a shell of someones body, that is the most direct translation you can get, in my opinion. However, this does not mean it is the most comfortable translation. That is where my fascination – maybe even obsession – really begins: When is something comfortable? It is a grey area that cannot solely be described by maths and physics. This is exactly why I can't get enough of my work.