Laser cutting in the apparel industry is an expensive, but emerging trend in apparel construction. Instead of the use of seams (thread to hold two pieces of fabric together), lasers can be used to bond the fabric together, or to cut a smooth, no fray edge. As seen above in the new Fendi 09 Spring ads, it’s a modern update to eyelet treatments - which is traditionally the same design element, but constructed by wrapping the cut-out edges with thread, thus giving it a bit more dimension and texture. There’s also a difference in shaped between eyelet and laser cut - eyelets are usually soft shapes without blunt edges, uncomplicated - but new laser-cut technology can create cut outs with sharper, cleaner, more exact geometric shapes.

Designers beyond Fendi have been utilizing this trend in Spring, including House of Holland - a relatively new London design house by Henry Holland (muse Agyness Deyn). Expect to see this treatment used more widely in the luxury market - I’m already keeping my eye out for the new laser-cut leather IT bag to arrive on the scene.

House of Holland Sp 09