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Although we're patiently awaiting those self-tying shoes, at least we can enjoy other perks of living in the future—like the ability to print everything from mansions to Hello Kitty toys. LA-based architect Jenny Wu is taking the DIY concept to a whole new level in fashion with LACE, her new line of 3D-printed jewelry.
Using material like sterling silver, rose gold, polished and flexible nylon, and wood, Wu crafts otherworldly designs that look like creations from an H.R. Giger painting. A few standouts include the Stria necklace ($450 and up), an interlocking piece that's like a sci-fi upgrade to those '90s tattoo chokers, and the Mobius ring ($90 and up), a sculptural statement stunner that comes in gray or stainless steel.
We sat down with the local talent to find out how a trip to Art Basel inspired her to pursue jewelry design, her favorite hidden gem for appreciating LA's architecture, and more. Read on below and shop her pieces online here.
What drew you to 3D printing?
I am an architect and a partner at the LA-based, experimental architectural firm, Oyler Wu Collaborative. I am also a design faculty at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). I have been using and instructing students on 3D printing for the past 10 years mainly for architectural model making. It is a technology that I knew well, and wanted to find new applications for it!
What inspired you to pursue designing jewelry?
I have always been interested in jewelry because I see the potential of jewelry as being "architecture" on the body. About a year and half ago, I started sketching some ideas and decided to 3D-model it digitally. As a quick way to prototype the pieces, I 3D printed them to see how they fit and looked. In December of 2014, I attended Art Basel Miami and brought a few of the prototype necklaces with me. Wearing them around Miami that week, I received so much attention with the jewelry that I decided to design a collection of my own called LACE by Jenny Wu.
Approximately how long does it take to "print" a piece of jewelry?
It really depends on the material to the type of 3D printing technology it is. A simple nylon ring takes around four to five hours, [while] a necklace that takes over 50 hours to print.
In a more complex 3D printing technology like 3D printing steel, the pieces are made from many different processes, starting with 3D printing with metal powder, baking it in a furnace, and to machine polishing the pieces at the end. The process is lengthened from hours to days due to the coordination of all of the production schedules.
Who or what inspires your designs?
My background is in architecture. My firm has been utilizing line-based geometries in the design of installations and buildings for some time. I see the jewelry as an extension of the architectural inquiry but now applying it to the body. We weave together intricate combinations of lines to create unique, 3-dimensional pieces.
Harrison Steinbuch/LACE by Jenny Wu
What are some of your favorite architecturally-inspiring spots in LA?
Walking from SCI-Arc, there is an entrance into the LA River. It is one of the coolest, architecturally-inspiring places where you are part of this interesting network of concrete structure below with bridges flying above you.
Who would you love to see wearing your designs?
Michelle Obama.