CUMULUS

What it does

CUMULUS: Versatile jacket for urbanites in unpredictable weather. Lightweight, reversible, and durable, transitions seamlessly between windbreaker, jacket, and raincoat. Balancing functionality and desirability in clothing.

Your inspiration

CUMULUS addresses the urgent need to adapt to climate change through innovative design. By focusing on Transformable Fashion, it advocates for sustainability and environmental consciousness in the fashion industry.

How it works

HOW?! Exploring the question of how to make clothing both functional and desirable involves examining historical contexts and theories from 1960 to 2013, integrating insights from fashion and functionality. This fusion inspires innovative approaches that balance practicality with aesthetics, honoring tradition while embracing modern practices. The design achieves its goal by blending fabric, construction, and mobility. Materials are chosen for flexibility and lightweight construction, ensuring comfortable wear that adapts to the wearer's needs. • How can the integration of historical insights alongside contemporary design practices inform the development of versatile urban clothing such as the CUMULUS to address the challenges posed by climate change?

Design process

Starting with my HMW ("How Might We") question, "How do I make clothing both functional and desirable?", I found inspiration in blending past wisdom with modern innovation. From the dynamic fashion of the 1960s to clothing as a tool for societal change today, garments have always served practical purposes beyond mere coverage. Examples include the Viking Birka coat, the Indian Saree, the Maasai Shuka, and the Japanese Kimono. This historical journey informs my project's emphasis on mobility and adjustable features, ensuring clothes offer both freedom of movement and adaptability. Waterproof fabrics are being tested for resilience and flexibility, while a range of closures, from traditional to modern, are explored for effortless transformation.

How it is different

Unique Aspects of CUMULUS: Innovation and Adaptability: Modular Design: Unlike traditional jackets, CUMULUS serves multiple purposes with ease. Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly fabrics address climate change concerns. Historical Integration: Combines historical insights with modern practices for timeless design. Fashion Meets Function: Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek design fits urban life seamlessly. Ease of Use: Simple transitions between windbreaker, jacket, and raincoat. Why It's Different: Versatility and Reversibility: Combines multiple uses and looks into one garment. Climate Responsiveness: Designed to tackle unpredictable weather patterns. User-Centric Design: Prioritizes comfort, style, and convenience for modern urbanites. In summary, CUMULUS integrates historical insights with contemporary design for a functional, stylish, and climate-responsive jacket, ensuring the wearer is always prepared, comfortable, and fashionable.

Future plans

I'm intrigued by incorporating an inflation and deflation mechanism into my project, inspired by research on thermal heated jackets and Smart Thermally Actuating Textiles (STATs) from Harvard. These soft robots change shape using electricity, offering diverse applications from medical devices to dynamic clothing.

Awards

Excited to share that "CUMULUS" won in the "Ghost Project 2024" competition! Huge thanks to Mikser and Founder Maja Lalic for their support, and to everyone who cheered me on. Learn more about Ghost Project: [https://lnkd.in/gTQY77-A].