Patronace by Bastian Müller Is Fashion That’s Fit to 3-D Print

“I found a way to print a durable, mechanical quality into textiles.”

A new activewear brand has crafted a cocktail of art and science. It’s Patronace by Bastian Müller, and it promises “fashion for your accelerated life.” But Müller didn’t just design the clothing. He also invented the technology behind it. GRDXKN, derived from grid skin, is a patent-pending process that transforms fabric—cotton, polyester, even leather—into a 3-D surface. It’s a technique similar to screen-printing, using a water-based proprietary paste in place of ink. Once the print is thermally activated, the pattern is transmuted into polyurethane foam that can be customized depending on the rigidity or flexibility desired. The finished cloth is not only breathable, moisture-controlling, and water-repellant but, when used for outerwear, it also forms a protective layer around the user (think bike messenger).

Watch now: Material Insight video featuring GRDXKN

“The formerly, purely decorative print becomes a functional, architectural structure,” Müller states. Further, it withstands water temperature up to 140 degrees without its print definition being altered. With no limitations on size, color, or pattern, it’s a natural for upholstery, too.

> Check out all 20 Big Ideas from the March 2019 issue

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