Soft goods
Kickstarter Vest
One of my first big undertakings was a Kickstarter campaign. It was a vest for snowboarding and skiing. The campaign had a positive response, although it was not fully funded. Prior to the launch during the advertising of the pre-release, well established snowboarding brands like Volcom, North Face and Mammut had just released their own versions of a vest. The snowboarding/skiing vest led to people contacting me afterwards asking more about the vest and if I was still able to bring it out. At the time however I wanted to move on to other designs.
The vest was based on safety, performance and functionality.
Firefighters’ Vest
One firefighter had followed the progress of the Kickstarter vest and asked if I could develop a vest for their firefighting department in Nevada, California. I took up the challenge and taught myself to sew. The vest took the firefighters’ current belt rig system and incorporated a vest and backpack. This would allow firefighters to maintain their low centre of gravity with the functionality of the vest (easy to reach pockets, water, radio etc.). I increased the functionality of the vest to house a quick-release pocket for the fire shelter which reduced current shelter deployment times by 50% (this is lifesaving). Unfortunately, the timing of the vest coincided with the beginning of Covid and my relocation to Sweden. This presented a few obstacles that I unfortunately could not overcome, including limited space and finances whilst becoming a father. I intend to continue with the project as a side project and as a donation of my time for a good cause.
Dog Harness
I couldn’t find a dog harness that I was happy with for my dog Louie and nothing fit him as well as I’d like, it either chocked him or was poorly made. With my newly acquired sewing abilities, I therefore set off to make him a custom tailored harness. It is also performance driven because let’s face it, dogs are superior athletes.
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Unleashed
The harness has reinforced elastic joins so that when the dog breathes, the harness opens up and allows for the chest to expand. This keeps the harness strong and flexible.
On the underside of the harness, there is a breathable mesh to help cool the pup.
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Dirty dog
The main material I chose was a sail clothe canvas that is water resistant, but the best thing is that it doesn’t hold dirt. So when Louie jumps into the lakes or rivers to cool himself down, I don’t fuss because cleaning the harness is as simple as hosing it down with water and letting it drip dry. I got lucky with this material choice because I chose based on a hunch.
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Attention to detail
Quality to me is essential. I won’t let something go out to market that is subpar. The stitching needs to be perfect, even in the areas that you can’t see.
Quality also means durability, since the product will last a lifetime, so material choice is very important. For this I like to use a strong canvas or nylon.
Backpack
Making bags is a way for me to relax and I try to make something new for every trip I take. This gives me a deadline and provides a real-life test of the prototype, while they make great gifts for family and friends. My mind runs free as I try to merge functionality, aesthetics, and innovative ways of using materials to get exciting new outcomes.
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Basic
Clean and basic styles stand the test of time. If the materials are going to last for 30+ years, the form and design need to keep up with the time as well.
Many forget that durability is a form of sustainability. Let’s move away from the throw away culture that we have been in for the last 70 years.
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The duffle
Made from Codura, a highly abrasive resistant material used in most military bags and vests. This bag is designed to last for 30+ years. It’s also water and fire resistant, ranging in usability from everyday leisure to oil rig workers.
It is a timeless shape that will last for years without going out of fashion. Less is more.
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Matching
Finding a material that works and a colour to boot, you can create a strong identity and theme.
People will be able to recognise your brand and the subtle nuances that make it what it is.