Ever wondered what to wear when it's raining outside? One business-minded student has come up with the perfect solution.
'Flood Fashion' is a collection of business and casual wear made entirely from 'wetsuit' material.
The collection, created by 23 year-old Josh Welensky, includes a full formal suit, 'wetskirt' and flipper inspired shoes.
The Edinburgh College of Arts student designed the range as part of an assignment for his degree course. Female First caught up with Josh to find out how he came up with the idea and what he plans to do next.
How did you come up with the concept of Flood Fashion?
During 4th year students are given the chance to work on a 'Personal Project'. Due to my continuing interest in Geography and the Environment, I decided to do my Personal Project on Climate Change, and specifically to create a unique visual response to the problem, to try and get people to think about the consequences. I wanted to create something that had a bit of humour in it, as I think a lot of the shock based advertising employed by the government s starting to loose its impact on the public.
In the summer of 2006, I started another business called Dshirt with a group of friends, it's a t-shirt design community where members can upload their t-shirt designs, with a chance to win a cash prize if the t-shirt goes into production. This is a where I got the idea of using fashion to try and communicate one part of the Climate Change problem.
Who are the clothes aimed at?
The clothes are aimed at everyone, but the garments I have produced so far are grouped into two segments, the formal/business range comprising of the"Wetsuit" and "Brogue Flippers" and the casual range comprising of the "Wetskirt" and "Trainer Flippers". The "Wetsuit" and "Wetskirt" are both made entirely of neoprene and waterproof. The Brogue Flippers and Trainer Flippers are moulded around actual flippers.
Did you design and make the whole collection yourself?
I designed the entire collection myself and sourced all of the materials. My grandmother, Helen Allison (who is a seamstress), stitched the "Wetsuit" and "Wetskirt" together for me. I designed and produced the "Brogue Flippers" and "Trainer Flippers".
Do you have any plans to retail Flood Fashion?
The garments were made mainly as a visual statement/to get people to consider more seriously the Climate Change problem. I haven't any plans at present to retail the Flood Fashion garments, but I think the "Wetsuit" and "Wetskirt" have potential with surfers who are looking for something a bit different to wear. The Wetsuit would definately emphasise the image of a 'professional surfer'.
Would you wear the clothes yourself?
I have worn the"Wetsuit" and "Brogue Flippers" myself - in fact the photographs of the guy coming out of the water wearing the Wetsuit are in fact me!
The Flood Fashion range is on display at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show (Graphic Design Department) until the 26th of June.
Caz Moss