Waterproof

Thoughts of disaster are usually followed by feelings of anxiety and panic, which consist of a gray, frightening characterless aesthetic. In ‘Waterproof’, the raincoat becomes a test case in the search for creative, encouraging solutions to challenges posed by extreme climate conditions – an optimistic, more lighthearted “end”. A colorful, less uniform and imposing design that one can draw a sense of security from, even in the hardest of times.

Can clothing inspire hope, or at least raise a smile at such times? Is there room for warm, fun and colorful human moments in the practical, urgent use of emergency clothing?

This project consists of three outfits inspired by and based on raincoats: a complete flood-prepared suit including a wide hat, emergency poncho, and riding jacket. The collaboration between fashion designer Aner Shevach and textile designer Michal Luria is expressed in drama and tension between patterns and prints. Silhouettes of disasters crossed with optimistic, colorful patterns create a line of disaster-wear that inspires thought and a spark of hope.