Salt Stride

As a creative and physically active individual, I have a keen interest in designing and developing functional, outdoor and sportswear garments that have a positive impact on the comfort and performance of the wearer and the natural environment. Salt Stride is a seasonless, gender-neutral, outdoors hiking wear collection, which is designed for a seaside hike in Cornwall, (from Falmouth to Maenporth). The garments are designed to protect the wearer from the varying Cornish weather and sudden downpours. This is reflected through the use of pack-away and modular elements in the collection. Designs were developed based on bodily needs during a seaside hike, taking into consideration specific items that would be needed: This included items such as a map and first aid kit, while providing pockets for stone collection along the way. Movement analysis was used in the design process to ensure garment designs would be functional. CLO3D was a useful way to develop functional patterns, by seeing the garments on the body, and in movement, to be able to produce patterns on the body, based on design ideas. During the design process it has also been important to carry out research into sustainability. Extensive material research was carried out, as well as end of life strategies to create clothing that is not only for outdoor exploration, but clothing that benefits the natural environment through the materials used. This is a key element I aim to use within future work in the fashion industry to promote sustainability within my design process.