New Marchesa Fashions Jump off Runway with HP’s 3D Tech

[#1]

The craziest thing happened to me in NYC last week. There I was, standing backstage amidst models wearing all these exquisite Marchesa dresses from the Spring 2012 line. Then, at the post-show after party, guests got to see each ensemble in amazingly detailed 3D. Besides soaking in the sights at The Plaza Hotel during Fashion Week – and at the Dream Downtown after party (It truly was a dream!), we were on-hand to put HP’s 3D technology to the test. 

HP continues exploring how to create an immersive 3D experience that is better than being there. You may remember Phil McKinney’s blog post in January about “Pluribus” where we focused on delivering a 3D musical experience for Earth, Wind and Fire.  This time we focused on couture. (Maybe we should call it “Pret-a-Computer.”)

During the runway show, we captured and rendered 3D images of the designer “looks,” which were later displayed on large format 3D screens at the Marchesa after party. HP 3D technology combines the power of multiple inexpensive projectors to quickly and automatically create a scalable “super-projector.” Using 3D, we were able to recreate the experience of the show, and party-goers had a chance to experience the “looks” in an immersive and realistic way. [You can see the screen in the background, here.]

Just before the models hit the runway and we captured the dresses in 3D, I followed around one of our VPs, Carlos Montalvo (vice president of innovation programs). If you want to get a backstage tour of the 3D technology from lens to screen and see how it all works, then take a minute to watch this video:

Seeing these stunning gowns in 3D really does make it feel as if you’re there. You can see every detail of how the fabric flows as the models walk down the runway. It offers a rich visual experience that can empower artists to transform how they express their art and present it to their customers.

I wish you could’ve been there.

Just imagine the potential of live 3D beyond the runway. What about fashion retail, music and sports….to name a few? Tell us if you think there is a future for 3D technology and what you’d like to see it do.