Downfall
Climate change.
A second layer of skin.
A protective shell in garment form.
One symptom of a deteriorating climate is more events of extreme weather. As ocean temperatures rise, more evaporation occurs, which increases precipitation. This increase can cause severe flooding, resulting in population displacement, loss of life, damaged crops and defective agricultural production, soil erosion, and lower water quality. Ecosystems struggle to survive and land becomes uninhabitable. Equally, rising temperatures can increase evaporation from soil without precipitation, leaving the earth infertile and dry. Severe drought plagues the environment through an absence of water, often leading to devastating wildfires.
In the United States, events of extreme weather are no longer abnormal. In recent years, unprecedented flooding has occurred in the Midwest and Southern regions, while drought and wildfires have been uncontrollable in the Northwest and Southwest. Wide spread coverage of fires in Australia and Brazil have garnered international attention.
Waterproof-breathable fabric technology offers an opportunity to protect ourselves from severe weather conditions. The fabric consists of a face fabric (typically nylon or polyester) and a laminated membrane (a microporous polyurethane coated material). The face repels water, while the membrane shields water from passing through the face, simultaneously allowing for water vapor and perspiration to escape. In wet weather, you stay dry. In hot, humid weather you stay cool. Waterproof-breathable technology permits garments to become multi-functional tools for nearly any condition.
Waterproof-breathable technology also acts as a form of biomimicry, enveloping us with a second layer of protective skin. Human skin is both waterproof and breathable, regulating our body temperature through the management of moisture.
Downfall proposes the utilization of waterproof-breathable fabric technology as a protective material to enshroud ourselves in defense, countering extreme weather conditions. 3 jackets are made with waterproof-breathable fabric, waterproof zippers, and waterproof seam tape to ensure optimal protection from rain, wind, and temperature. Each jacket comes with 3 pockets, adjustable wrist straps, a retractable hood, and interior harnesses for modular use.
SHELL 01 [CARBON] is made out of a 3-Layer Nylon Taslan waterproof-breathable fabric. 3-Layer fabrics offer the most protection from natural elements and repels substances such as oil.
SHELL 02 [SNOW] is made out of a 2-Layer Polyester waterproof-breathable fabric.
SHELL 03 [SUPERNOVA] is made out of a 2-Layer Polyester waterproof-breathable fabric and has undergone a custom dye treatment.
