Research

My new project for Uni is to create a brand which represents us and what potential what we may do in the future. I've always been into this idea of creating clothes that can be worn in the office as they're professional, clean cut but could be also used in the gym who exercise. I got this idea from a person I know, who is a teacher, where she gets changed in her own spare time for a 40minute lesson due to school policy. This brought to my mind: "why isn't sportswear considered professional and what could this industry do to change that?". I thought into brands that are starting to look into this concept, which are ADAY and Kit + Ace- two great brands with technical fabrics and clean cut garments. In addition I looked at high street brands I thought had this professional look, like COS and House of Sunny (very minimal with unique features). I found that by trying to blend the two together would it be possible to bring a uniqueness to the garments I create.

Next was to think of a sport that was relevant to my customer or a new concept trend. I looked on WGSN wellbeing section to find out about this idea of future-proofing where the older generation are investing into exercise to become more able when they're older, which is becoming a trend with our generation as well. It involves pilates and yoga for flexibility and weightlifting, HIIT Classes for improvement in bone density, etc. I thought this would be interesting to look into as its something that I do look into (I'm a frequent gym goer) and I want to be more able when older especially when looking at my grandparents and seeing how they suffer with mobility.

Also I researched into 3 key functions I thought was necessary for the workplace; Ventilation- on the back and under arms due to heat when exercise and general areas with sweat, Weather resistance- for the to and from work or gym as rain, wind are likely in this country and maintaining warmth, and Compression- reduce muscle damage/pain as well as deep vain thrombosis. Another side was to make sure I had comfort for my clothes so looking into soft, stretch fabrics (like jersey, scuba, etc). Overall, my research has been developed and I'm looking forward to the design process now