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Fashion > Forward

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

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Published: Nov 11, 2009

Chelsea Guglielmino

Apocalypse Chic

Apocalyptic scenarios, whether precipitated by plague, natural upheavals or global nuclear warfare, have been grimly imagined by artists in every medium — from the big screen (Mad Max) to small print (The Road). Though the modes of destruction are various, the survivors are always forced to fashion clothing from the remains of consumer culture or else learn to weave, ASAP.

As part of a sophomore industrial design class at the University of the Arts, Jaclyn Starker, Sebastian Brauer, Jin Hong and Ji-In Sun were tasked with creating "wearable shelters" that would protect people from the elements in end times.

"The project was set in a post-disaster scenario in a major city, where there would be millions of displaced people struggling from lack of decent shelter," says Starker. "So these couture wearable shelters are strong, durable, watertight, wind-resistant, pleasant to live in, easy to set up, lightweight. The outfits are effortlessly transportable since they would be everyday wear for city dwellers."

The team constructed three getups: a hooded, dress-like coat in gray, a men's black quilted jacket that unfolds into a warm sleeping bag, and an electric yellow coat that unzips into a two-man tent. The prototypes were made with new, ultra-light vinyl and insulated waterproof fabric, as well as repurposed thrift-store finds, like a pair of workout pants that became the skirt and hood of the gray piece.

The influences that shaped their creations were, unsurprisingly, all over the place. "When first conceptualizing the designs, we drew inspiration from the constructivist fashion of Issey Miyake, that pays great attention to the architecture of the body, [and] to Christopher Bailey's experimental trench coats for Burberry of Britain," says Brauer. "We looked at military shelter and the ubiquitous quilted sleeping bag, as well as sporting gear."

So will these clothing/shelter hybrids hit REI's shelves anytime soon? Unfortunately, no. But Starker says they'd consider crafting them for the right doomsdayer.

(felicia.dambrosio@citypaper.net)

Paranoid? E-mail Starker at jackiestarker@gmail.com to purchase the gear to match your bomb shelter.

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