For those of you who don't know, WGSN is the leading voice for trends, and is a go-to resource for brands and fashion houses around the world. Needless to say, it was an absolute thrill to find some of the work I have been a part of in a trend report recently issued.
The Future Festival Design Capsule report features a few images from the Cottweiler Collaboration I was a part of, and I'm so proud that I couldn't resist sharing:
To see more information, images and the inspiration behind the project, click here >
The second collection for the collaboration I have been a part of with futuristic menswear label Cottweiler is now in stores. The project, which debuted in July at Fashion Week in London, includes a small collection of accessories including hydration and headwear pieces. Inspired by Marathon Des Sables, a desert marathon regarded as being the toughest footrace in the world, the collection provides apparel, footwear and accessories aimed to address the harsh conditions of the Sahara
For my part, I worked on:
a lightweight cap with a protective, detachable neck cover
a hydration waist belt
and a lightweight hydration vest/backpack hybrid
The Sahara Vest Backpack is particularly interesting, as it is based off the Spartan Hybrid backpack/vest I designed for Reebok in 2016. Designed with extreme racing conditions in mind, it served as a good base to work from. Where the Spartan Hybrid was designed to be indestructible, the Sahara Vest Backpack needed to be lightweight and have UPF protection. We updated the Cordura fabric to a lightweight nylon and altered pockets and details where appropriate, while still maintaining the close-fitting, ergonomic and unique properties of the Spartan Hybrid.
The Sahara Cap includes a removable neck flap and mouth guard to protect from sun and sand, and is fabricated in lightweight UPF fabric.
Designing a super technical product is often much easier than the task of communicating all the technicality within the product. Some features or concepts can only be truly appreciated with sound or when shown on the body in context. We have shorter attention spans than ever; there is only so much text, only so many photographs someone will be willing to scroll through. Important information is bound to be missed.
On that note, I would like to share with you a video I made for the Spartan Hybrid backpack/vest that I designed for Reebok last year.
There was so much research and thought that went into this project - and so many details that were specific for the exact scenario for which it was to be used - that I just wasn't content with images and text alone to tell the story. My hope is that this medium helps bring a richness to the product that I haven't been able to fully communicate until now.
Please enjoy my first real foray into videography, and let me know what you think!
To see more about the research and process that went into creating this product, please visit my portfolio page.
This past weekend, the latest collaboration I was a part of debuted at London Fashion week. We teamed up for a second season with menswear label Cottweiler, this time to create a collection inspired by Marathon Des Sables, a desert marathon regarded as being the toughest footrace in the world.
The entire collection included apparel, footwear and accessories designed with this extreme environment in mind.
For my part, I worked on:
a lightweight cap with a protective, detachable neck cover
a hydration waist belt
and a lightweight hydration vest/backpack hybrid
If the Hydration Vest looks a little familiar, it's because it was based on the hydration solution for runners I designed for Reebok previously, the Spartan Hybrid. We were able to build upon the particular research, knowledge, and solutions created for the extreme obstacle course race environment and adapt fabrics and details to suit the demanding atmosphere of Des Sables.
The runway show included both the Reebok collaboration and the Cottweiler SS18 collection, both of which were met with great reviews.
“Arguably the focal point of the show, though, was the latest in Cottweiler’s ongoing collaboration with Reebok, which first debuted at Pitti Uomo earlier this year. This joint effort took inspiration from sports after care, and so tied in with Reebok’s ideals of combining the mental, social and physical. ”
— Hypebeast.com
More to come soon! In the meantime, check out Hypebeast and Highsnobiety for more photos and a behind-the-scenes look at the products.
Coming soon: A hybrid between a vest and backpack, designed for Reebok FW 16.
Designed with the needs of the most elite obstacle course athletes in mind such as those running the Spartan Ultra Beast. To equip these inspiring athletes for the 26+ miles, 60 obstacles, and 12-14 hours of race time, this pack features:
strategically paneled two-way stretch cordura fabric and Black Cam cordura for the abrasion resistance
2 liter hydrapak bladder, magnetic drinking tube and R/L outlets for a customized hydration experience
plenty of easy-access stash pockets for storing food/fuel or gear
waterproof bonded pocket for race-ready electronics
soft, brushed fabrics next to skin for a chafe-free run experience
adjustable side-release with elasticity for easy breathing
The feature I am most proud of though is the easy refill system. Simply unclip at the sides and flip the bag front to pack for fast and easy access to hydration. Minimal construction and a streamlined user experience help to save time at water stations while giving tired hands a break from unnecessary actions and adjustments.
The project is a result of an intense research period, multiple prototypes, user testing and expert athlete feedback.
Make sure to check back soon for a full portfolio page and video of the Spartan Hybrid in action!
