Summary

As a pair, we have created this final collection following our research on the predictions of rising sea levels witch in future will cause major flooding. We have designs a range of garments that are inspired by the adaptations of underwater animals taking there functions and creating them into ideas that could help us. We have done this by using waterproof and breathable materials to create these fashionable designs ranging from latex sleeves to wool and lycra trousers. The garments include relaxed fitting pants and jumpers as well as tight insulating sweaters and all in one body suits. Since the designs were inspired by different animals the factors and inspiration for each garment varied and so to bring them together as a collection we used a series of prints designed on Photoshop from an original print created using bubbles and paint inspired by the pattern with in a turtle shell. The versatile materials have given each garment life and character while the continuous print embodied throughout the designs bring this collection together as a whole.

Aqua Resistance designs

Collection

To conclude all our our research and experiments that we have conducted with the concept of the world being engulfed by water and our life style having to change due to the causes of major flooding as a team we have came up with a water resident collection that could be used give that this happens. We have created a trend book including 12 designs that we have created following our research into water proof mateials and inspired by the functions of sea life that helps them survive in wet conditions. Although some of the designs can be seen as very differant given the occasion it would be used for we have used a range of prints throughout to bring the designs together that was first created from the insperational print inspired by the patterns seen on a turtles shell.

Illustrations

Experimenting with knit

In these experiments we have conducted a few tests, trying to create a waterproof knit. The samples tested on are, cotton for breath ability, viscose as it does not shrink when heated and is biodegradable and wool which is naturally water resistant due to natural oils such as Lanolin. The same amount of water with dye in is poured on each sample and left to absorb for five minutes to get a rough idea how well the products work.

 

 

Treated with varnish resin

  

Treated with XT Proofer

Without treatment..

 

Since conducting the experiments i is clear to see that the XT water proof spray has worked the best. It deffinatly worked better than i was expcting and i was impressed when I saw the results, I did not think that the XT Proofer would work as well as it did. Especially with the way it reacted with the cotton and Lycra mix creating a breathable, flexible and water resistant sample that we can incorperate as one of the materials to be used within the garments for our collection.

Latex prints

Since seeing the work of Andreea Mandrescu i have been inspired me to try something of my own. Using clay to create a print and then setting latex within it as displayed in the images below. I love the outcome of these experimentations and will deffinatly be using this as part of the materails in our outcome collection as it is in fact waterproof.

• exceptional resistance to wear and tear
• great tensile strength
• resistant to common abrasives and works well in low temperature environments
• water resistantt
• highly flexible

Andreea Mandrescu

The textile collections are an exploration of different materials that include faux fur, rubbers, leather and veneers on a variety of base fabrics. The fabrics are versatile, made to fit pattern garments for fashion design to being wrapped around the body as accessories.

 

I love the work of Andreea Mandrescu she creates some amazing pieces made from latex and since researching into this and finding that it is fully waterproof i intend to create some samples of my own inspire by andreas work. I think it will be a good material to work with especailly seen as i will be able to create my own prints using the insperation from my turtle print research.

Skin/Fur/Scales

Rosies research into how animals fur/skin/scales protect them and keep them waterproof.

SKIN 

 Skin is the largest organ of the body, with a complex structure being composed of many different tissues. It also performs many functions which are important to maintain internal body stability in the body. The most important of these functions is to control body heat, the skin also protects the body from physical damage and bacterial invasion in both humans and animals. HOW IS SKIN WATERPROOF? 

Skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield guarding the body against the extremes of temperature, damaging sunlight and harmful chemicals. It also emits antibacterial substances that prevent infection, skin is also packed with nerves endings keeping the brain in touch with the outside world. Skin is an amazing versatile organ. Skin is mostly composed of water, like the rest of the human body. Composed of three layers, the epidermis, dermis and, subcutaneous fat. the dermis which is the second layer in our skin contains sebum which is a natural oil that keeps our skin lubricated, protected and water resistant.

 ANIMALS SKIN // PROTECTION

Skin exists on animals but of a different nature, the skin on amphibians, reptiles and birds is the first line of defence from external factors in harsh environments.`It is much like humans playing a main role in protecting the body against water loss, insulation, sensation and, the production of vitamin D fol ates. Animal skin varies from scales, fur and feathers, depending on environment and the climates, they do not wear their skin on the outside as their furs and feathers have unique properties that prevent water getting in while allowing insulation and condensation to escape.

  water which gets into the fur drains outwards keeping the skin of the animal dry. The wind then evaporates the water from the outer layer, the connection between skin and fur it a straight connection, this enhances breath ability, Fur garments on animals are immune to damage as the fur protects the skin, a layer of fat under the skin provides insulation.

animals with feather and furs use natural oils from their bodies to coat themselves making the outer layer water resistant. This is a method is called preening.   

 

 

sculpting with knit

Inspired by the shell of the turtle i wanted to create a sculptural piece that could be used for protection within our design ideas. I coated some samples of knitting in pva glue and positioned them round a bowl to try and create the shell like shape. Unfortunetly when trying to remove the knits when dry they lost shape and so the experiment did'nt work as i hoped, but the samples when very stiff showing that they would be sturdy and if i could mange to get the shaping right in development tests this could maybe be used in our design ideas..
 

Flooding

When the UK floods we are unprepared and inexperienced, how do other countries deal with this?
We are already begining to see how damaging flooding can be here  in the UK have experienced heavy floods first hand.