Out Of Comfort
Graduation project (2019) – Amsterdam Fashion Institute, BA Fashion & Design
RESEARCH_GRAD_18_19
The dust has come to stay
Heaven and earth create a monotone color palette.
Deep cracks in the ground show that raindrops have not fallen for ages and dark clouds of dust blow up with every wind blow. I am not describing a filmset of Mad Max: Fury Road or Interstellar here, but the real world. The world of the Chinese Dust Bowl, photographed by Benoit Aquin (2018).
CONCEPT_GRAD_18_19
“The human attempt to claim land, has led to nature claiming it back.”
– Kooiman
Out Of Comfort explores necessity and solutional design in fashion by targeting a problem we are facing today: Air Pollution. By focusing on innovation through smart-textiles, created with a multidisciplinary approach, Out of Comfort offers a collection of Air Pollution masks that will bring more awareness and health protection to the world.
001_PRACTICAL_GRAD_18_19
STYLE 001_PRACTICAL
> Air pollution tracking system
> Color changing print on bad levels of air
pollution
> Replaceable P3 filter mask inside
> Water / wind / flame resistant kevlar fabric
> Taped zippers
> Adjustable in size
> Reflective print
> Upper mask part adjustable on face shape
Composition
Body: 100% Aramide Kevlar
Lining hood: 100% Polyester
Padding: 100% Polyester
Mask: Replaceable P3 filter
002_COMFORT_GRAD_18_19
STYLE 002_COMFORT
> Air pollution tracking system
> Color changing print on bad levels of air
pollution placed on detachable patch
> Replaceable P3 filter mask inside
> Patch, scarf and mask part all detachable
> 3M reflective yarn
> Soft sheep wool yarn for extra comfort
> Upper mask part adjustable on face shape
Composition
Knitted parts: 100% Wool, 3M reflective yarn
Outer mask and patch: 100% Nylon
Mask: Replaceable P3 filter
003_URBAN_GRAD_18_19
STYLE 003_URBAN
> Air pollution tracking system
> Color changing panels on bad levels of airpollution
> Replaceable P3 filter mask inside
> Mask detachable from headpiece
> Reflective screenprint
> Upper mask part adjustable on face shape
Composition
All parts: 100% Nylon
Mask: Replaceable P3 filter
COLLECTION_OVERVIEW_GRAD_18_19
In Asia facemasks are already accepted in society for years. Because of social values like preventing others to get ill if you are already, or the other way around. In western society facemasks have a completely different value. They are mainly seen as odd because they are hiding your identity. In some countries in Europe facemasks are because of that reason not allowed to be worn. For this project I looked at the Asian market. What are the reasons people wear masks on their faces? Is there more than one (the healthcare reason) and is it possible to apply the same ‘reasons’ or values on the designs for the market for the western society too? As a conclusion there are three different styles:
STYLE_PRACTICAL
Made to last. This consumer wants a masks that will protect them, made of the strong durable kevlar material, is adaptable in sizing and water/wind/flame resistant.
STYLE_COMFORT
This consumer wears not only a mask to protect themselves when needed, but also wears it for comfort reasons. Materials are soft and the designs can be worn in multiple ways to keep the consumer warm and comfortable.
STYLE_URBAN
The urban style is made for the more fashion conscious consumer that likes to combine their mask with their outfit. In this style all pieces of the mask are detachable so you are able swap around with different styles and prints the mask
comes in.
