Apparel
Finding insights.
I interviewed artists, makers, and craftswomen who are pioneering a new wave of craft culture. They work with their hands and live up to their elbows in ink, paint, and grease everyday. In their world, traditional apparel just falls short.
Katie Leimbach
Mixed Media Artist
Mixed Media Artist
Industrial Ceramicist
Nina Cherie
Fiber & Knits Artist
Fiber & Knits Artist
Painter
Print Maker & Fiber Artist
Beth Joy
Rug Maker
Rug Maker
Pam Hill
Graphic & Interior Designer
Graphic & Interior Designer
Mica Demarques
Potter
Potter
Setting design priorities.
After talking to professionals about their needs from Studio Apparel, four goals quickly became clear. The women’s main pain point was their transition between mess and meetings. Working hands on in the studio and moving right into a meeting at an office or coffee shop can quickly feel unprofessional. The garments needed to integrate ways to quickly remove elements with mess and have a professional and confident look underneath.
Movement
Utilizing comfortable movable materials and silhouettes to work and move in for long hours.
Utilizing comfortable movable materials and silhouettes to work and move in for long hours.
Messes
Combatting messes like clay, paint etc. to stay comfortable, clean, and to uphold professional standard appearance.
Combatting messes like clay, paint etc. to stay comfortable, clean, and to uphold professional standard appearance.
Meetings
Being prepared for public visits and client meetings and
throughout the work day. Appropriate between studio and business work.
Being prepared for public visits and client meetings and
throughout the work day. Appropriate between studio and business work.
Modularity
Having pieces that work together to create a cohesive, wearable and functional artists uniform.
Having pieces that work together to create a cohesive, wearable and functional artists uniform.
Developing the tone and theme.
Born from classic workwear and western utility, yet retooled through a female lens. A modern twist on rugged functionality, versatility, comfort, and style. For the modern woman who works with her hands.
Refining the design and construction.
Below is a gallery showcasing the process from sketching to stitching. This process began with quick concept sketches that lead to dozens of prototypes and fittings. Designs were then finalized with more technical sketches and final patterns were drafted. The process was finished with realistic prototypes which confirmed Studio Apparel was ready to be sewn and photographed.
The details make all the difference.
Studio Apparel is intentional down to the last detail. Considerations that came from user research were made for every element of the designs. The garments aim to uphold a flattering fit, solutions for mess, organization for tools, as well as comfort, durability and style.
Double Knee
Paneling
This design of a wrap around double layered pant leg was invented to combat messes like: clay at the potter's wheel or paint at the easel splattering between the legs and making pants wet and uncomfortable.
Adjustable
Comfort
In both of the pants an adjustable waist was built into the design to ensure a flattering fit but also prioritize comfort while bending over or sitting.
Comfort
In both of the pants an adjustable waist was built into the design to ensure a flattering fit but also prioritize comfort while bending over or sitting.
Versatile
Pockets
In both the smock and jacket pockets were a huge consideration. In these types of work environments efficiency is everything. So having the capacity to bring necessary tools on the go is critical.
Rag Loop
Attachments
The Studio Apparel Rag Loop is an innovative addition to a classic chore coat’s bells and whistles. Hang any fabric or rag over the loop to protect clothing from mess and have a place to wipe hands, brushes, and messes.
Quick
On & Off
The Smock was designed with simple attachments for easy removal. This helps transition from mess to meetings with ease. By releasing the buttons on just one side, users can easily pull the smock over their head.