A successful duo: fashion designer Lea Lahr-Thiele and the SP2000

Lea Lahr-Thiele, a fashion design student from Hamburg, chose to focus on sustainable and resource-saving haute-couture design in her bachelor thesis. With over 10 years of experience as a seamstress and patternmaker, she explored the collection process in detail. Recognising the potential of laser technology to support her ideas, Lea reached out to Trotec Laser in Marchtrenk, Austria, to investigate resource-efficient textile design. In the summer of 2022, Lea used laser cutting in the Trotec Application Lab to explore the potential for creating an eco-friendly collection for her bachelor thesis, combining high fashion and sustainability.

Trotec recommended the SP2000 laser cutter for her ambitious project. This large-format laser with 400 watts power provided her with the flexibility to work with various materials, including silk and recycled polyester alongside delicate textiles that could be laser processed quickly. Additionally, the ability to combine cutting and engraving in a single pass offered Lea a wide range of design possibilities and creative freedom in prototyping.

The precision and neatness of laser cutting were further reasons for Lea to use a laser for the development of her collection. When working with very detailed shapes, only a laser allowed her to achieve accurate and clean results. She was now able to create a 3D effect by experimenting with the physical properties of materials or cutting shapes into the material without fully removing them.

Lea also appreciated the precise and seamless cut edges achieved with the laser, which gave her cut parts a polished appearance. In addition, she explored the diverse and inspiring possibilities of laser engraving for optical material manipulation, allowing her to truly discover the unique character of each material.

During her research in the Trotec Application Lab, Lea developed a method called Counterform-Design, which is inspired by zero waste practices. With this method Lea generates compositions from surplus and offcut material, which facilitates valuable upcycling of resources. This process not only enables her to preserve and enhance resources but also allows her to create exclusive fashion pieces with new looks and eye-catching effects with mesmerising interplays of light and form.

For her research, Lea created seven complete outfits with the SP2000. This zero waste-couture collection is called “Potential of Two” and combines highly innovative techniques and traditional handcraft. In February 2023 it was awarded best collection at the graduate show in Hamburg. It has also been nominated for the Green Product Award which recognises sustainable and innovative products and services across 14 categories, including fashion.

Lea’s research further illustrates that the large-format laser cutter is an ideal match for fashion design. Incorporating her valuable feedback, the next version of the SP2000 laser will show further improvements. Lea’s graduate collection is just the start of her exploration into resource-conserving design methods in fashion.