WOKE
embodies the conscious mind of a person trapped in a society fast asleep
CONIFORM: BIOMIMETIC THERMOREGULATION
A quick one-day project
This vest is a personal exploration of biomimetic fashion design. As a person who easily produces excess body heat, I wanted to create a product that takes inspiration from nature to achieve effective thermoregulation. This particular article is inspired by the way in which pinecones react to climate changes in their natural environment. When it is raining, the spines close to protect the seeds within. When it is dry, the needles open up to improve the chances of the seeds dispersing. To reflect this natural behavior, I created a vest with open side panels that allow for subtle ventilation to occur without relying solely on breathable fabric. Through my research, I found that most garments that take thermoregulation into account are limited to sports/active wear. I wanted to achieve the same goal without sacrificing the aesthetics of an elevated style, hence Coniform (a portmanteau of 'conifer' + 'form').