The shoe collection was to discover ways and limitations in 3-D printing technology to push the boundaries of these constraints and change these processes of the footwear manufacturing. It is clear that 3-D printing technology can not only achieve footwear production, but also allow a large amount of flexibility in the design stage, as well as allowing me as a shoe designer to push the limits of design structures. This collection could be part of the further development of using this technology in design and manufacturing processes, and in particular in relation to the production of footwear.

My name is Zoe Jia-Yu Dai, a Taiwanese shoe designer began my career in London, UK and now based in Taiwan,in the Asia-Pacific region. I was the prestigious winner of The Cordwainers Dato' JIMMY CHOO AWARD in 2014. I graduated from the London College of Fashion with a Master of Arts in Footwear Design in January 2015. I have been interested in the possible applications of 3-D printing technology for few years, and uses my shoe designs to combine this technology with a high level of craftsmanship using traditional shoe making techniques. My inspiration to create a partly 3-D printed shoe came from a desire to look at ways to change and challenge the process of footwear manufacture. It was clear that 3-D printing could not only achieve this, but would also allow a large amount of flexibility in the design stage. This allowed me as a designer to push the limits of design structures.

This is a personal project which is called “Breaking the 3D Mould”, the designer is Zoe Jia-Yu Dai. The brand is called ZOE DAI which is based in London. My core customers are fashion-conscious women who desire, high-end high, quality products, and who are also looking for something unique and different. They therefore prefer custom-made shoes, with the possibility of the shoe heels, materials or colour being customizable. So they will have a pair of unique and comfortable shoes.