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An Apparel Brand Born from a Company Specializing in Prototype Development for Cars & Robots: "ritsu"
Since former President Obama highlighted the potential of Monozukuri in a speech in 2013, interest in 3D printing has surged. It has expanded beyond the industrial sector to reach the general public, marking the start of a new era in global manufacturing.
Leading the charge with this cutting-edge technology is "ritsu." Established in 2021 as an apparel brand by NICHINAN CORPORATION, Ritsu creatively employs 3D printers for prototype development.
The stunning designs of Ritsu, which blend seamlessly with abstract paintings, are based on technologies honed through Nichinan's expertise in industrial products.
How has Nichinan's technical prowess and ritsu creatively unfolded? We sat down with ritsu's brand director, Ritsu Horie, to learn more.
The Convergence of Nichinan's Technological Strength & Apparel
Although industrial products and apparel appear to belong to different universes of Monozukuri, Nichinan's technology is essential for Ritsu.Nichinan serves as a development support company specializing in prototype manufacturing for industrial products like cars and robots, aiding various manufacturers in their product development endeavors.
“At Nichinan, we support development through the creation of prototypes required by manufacturers across various industries, such as automotive and audio manufacturers.
"For instance, we create mockups of new models at actual size, displayed at events like Tokyo Big Sight. This means we craft models for consideration during the development stage, rather than actual functioning machines."
Just as apparel samples clarify usage in real life through fitting, industrial products demand visually and functionally accurate models from the prototyping stage.
“Many clients demand mockups that are, in fact, working prototypes. Think of it like samples in the apparel industry that can actually be tried on.
"While it's increasingly common to present development ideas through AI and simulation videos, we also produce mockups equipped with mechanisms that allow for automation and strive to create models as close to reality as possible. Achieving this requires meticulous design, so we have divisions capable of supporting such processes internally.
"Since the prototypes ultimately lead to mass production, we also have all the machinery and manufacturing facilities necessary to bring designs to life. Additionally, we sometimes collaborate with design centers at major manufacturers to handle design work for vehicles and home appliances set to launch in the following years."
Visiting Nichinan’s factory reveals its extraordinary scale. Equipped with facilities for 3D printing, seat upholstery for cars, printing processes, clay modeling, painting, and system development, it can manufacture a vast range of prototypes. Most products from manufacturers we regularly encounter, whether in cars or audio devices, emerge through this prototyping process.
With this context, ritsu was launched as an apparel brand that fuses high technical capabilities and quality developed through Monozukuri.
The World of Boho Chic Expressed through 3D Printing
Ritsu's brand concept, "Boho Chic," merges the free-spirited and ethnic style of Bohemian (Boho) with the elegance of chic, proposing a romantic and painterly world view.The original lace designs and beautifully accentuated ruffled silhouettes embody a romantic essence while maintaining a natural attitude, infused with a hint of Eastern poise.
Accessories and buttons produced using 3D printers boast delicate details that seem beyond the realm of industrial products, coupled with a handmade finish and a glossy texture. The initiative to integrate 3D printing into the apparel business came at the suggestion of Nichinan's CEO and the head of the design department.
“When I joined, Nichinan had just begun to explore the potential of 3D printing. At that time, my CEO and my supervisor suggested, ‘Could 3D printing be used in fashion?’ and that’s how Ritsu got started,” she revealed.
The 3D printer is essential for bringing Ritsu's romantic items to life, but what does it mean to Horie?
"To me, the 3D printer is like a benefactor.
"The first item that became popular at Ritsu was a ring made with a 3D printer. It gave me a great sense of confidence. I was deeply moved to receive feedback on something I created that I wanted to shape into reality, and that motivated me to improve the brand further.
"Since it was an accessory made using a 3D printer that triggered this path, I am truly grateful for this technology."
After graduating from a Japanese university, Horie studied abroad in New York, where she learned fashion at the Parsons School of Design and interned at multiple brands before joining Nichinan. She also has an international background, having spent three years of high school in New York.
Although Horie has spent a significant amount of time abroad, when did she encounter the concept of “Boho Chic,” which is also a cornerstone of Ritsu?
"In middle school, I encountered Boho fashion while shopping with my mother. I vividly remember being shocked by a beautiful purple chiffon dress sold at a department store.
Until then, I hadn't been very interested in fashion, but that experience left a lasting impression on me, prompting me to study fashion deeply and eventually lead me to the modern interpretation of 'Boho Chic.'"
The Future Expands from 3D Printers, Fulfilling Creators' Ideals
While 3D printers for general household use are already available on the market, our understanding of them is often still quite limited.However, the potential of 3D printers is far more significant than one might expect, and interacting with Ritsu's items makes this clear. At the same time, the unique textures and intricate details have received considerable praise at Ritsu's exhibitions.
Industrial 3D printers can create products with higher precision, but that is only possible thanks to the skilled technicians involved.
"3D printers output based on data that has been digitized as a design. When thinking about printers, we often associate them with flat images, but with 3D printers, the output is wrapped in a translucent, clay-like material called 'support material,' shaping it in three dimensions.
"To excavate the object from that support material, a technician's expertise is necessary, and clear finishing requires precise painting around it. Achieving an even glossy finish during the clear processing really benefits from the touch of a skilled technician."
The possibilities of 3D printers in manifesting the creative elements in a designer's mind are still largely unknown. However, Horie states that the industries utilizing this technology are still quite limited.
"I interact with many industries daily, but there are still not many completed projects using 3D printers within the apparel industry.
"The manufacturers are still feeling their way through, so I hope we can demonstrate more possibilities with Ritsu moving forward. While 3D printers are not suited for mass production, I believe there is value in the uniqueness and quality of each individual piece."
Since starting its collection in 2022, Ritsu has garnered attention as an apparel brand that swiftly adopted industrial 3D printing technology alongside its Boho Chic style. Looking ahead, they aim to showcase the potential of 3D printers to creators while also eyeing international expansion.
"Once we have raised awareness about 3D printers in Japan, I eventually want to expand Ritsu internationally. I would love for people to know the beauty of Ritsu's accessories and clothing.
"While it may still be a long way off, I hope that by the time Ritsu ventures abroad, the potential of accessories made with 3D printers will have captured people's attention and driven demand even higher."
With Nichinan's technological prowess and the creativity showcased by Ritsu, it is destined to continue drawing significant interest. As a pioneer, the designs proposed by Ritsu hold unknown possibilities. There is a growing expectation that the creativity Ritsu generates will usher in a new future for creators.
PROFILE
Ritsu Horie
ritsu Brand Director
After graduating from Parsons School of Design, gathered experience at a New York brand before returning to Japan.
Subsequently, she established her own brand, "ritsu," integrating apparel with the technical expertise and facilities of Nichinan, a comprehensive support company that produces prototypes and develops new products for the automotive and home appliance industries.
Text by Tajimax
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