Praise the rain!
- Simone Maas
- 16 jan 2016
- 3 minuten om te lezen
Dutch weather, it is anything but predictable. You may have to start your day wearing sunglasses, to need an umbrella a few hours later. The fact these changes often occur so suddenly, can make people feel irritated. They can get caught up in frustrations about one simple element as the weather. I don’t know about you but when I’m cycling through the pouring rain (again), it is almost impossible to not look grumpy. Isn’t it actually a shame that this has such a big influence on our mood? Surya David White thought about the exact same thing. We should celebrate the weather at any time! With her clothing collection ‘Weatherness’ she wants to make the weather fun again.
What is it?
Suyra David White, who is originally from France, graduated this year at the Design Academy Eindhoven. ‘Weatherness’ was her final project for receiving her diploma. To focus on the weather, was an obvious choice for her. The thing Suyra noticed during the years she spend in the Netherlands was the constant whining on rainy and windy days. This negative image, of one of the most natural processes, has to turn around. For her collection Suyra used four types of textiles that change under different weather conditions. One of the pieces is a coat that changes colour when it starts raining. The rain makes some of those layers become transparent, they then stick together and another layer will become more noticeable.
Another example of her collection is a sweater that changes the moment the sun comes through the clouds. Normally the sweater has a grey colour, but the fabric contains little metal threads. When these metal threads catch the sunlight, they shine ‘bright like a diamond’ and give the sweater a golden look.
Why is it cool?
‘Weatherness’ tries to make the unpredictable weather a positive experience. A coat that changes colour is of course exciting and so should weather changes be. ‘Weatherness’ actually has to do with several trends. I personally think it is mostly a countermovement to the trend ‘Anger, distrust and cynicism’.
‘Anger, distrust and cynicism’ is the attitude that is expanding over more and more areas worldwide. People have lost their trust in big organisations like the political system, Google, financial industries and even in a part of humanity. In this overwhelming wave of negative feelings, people like Suyra strive for positive energy. She spreads the indirect message that you can look at things form another perspective. ‘Give a little love to the weather’, as she states.
Of course Suyra’s collection also has to do with the trend ‘Experience Economy’ because she changes the way we feel about certain weather conditions. You might normally hate rain, but a rainy day gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your new chameleon ‘Weatherness-coat’. The experience becomes the product in this case. You are not just buying a coat; you are buying an attitude.
The clothing pieces of ‘Weatherness’ are especially interesting for the people that belong to the mentality group Wonderlust. They are the ones looking for products to amaze them and make them reflect on their behaviour. They ‘enjoy the little things in life’. Rain, sun and wind are some of those little things that become more enjoyable when wearing an item of Suyra’s collection.
However apart from this group, it might be a really good product to buy for other people too. Wearing one of the pieces of ‘Weatherness’ could turn your whole mood around. I suppose when you wear a fun coat every single day, you will eventually become a more positive person. Isn’t it amazing how a piece of clothing could almost shift your personality!
What does this all mean for the Future?
‘Weatherness’ is not yet on the market. Suyra herself has a greater ambition for designing such an idea than for actually making it available to a wider audience. In my personal opinion it would be an interesting addition to the fashion world. The changing fabrics are an experience in itself, amaze people and go against the negative vibes that are all around right now. Clothing is used to turn a situation around. What if this could work in many more cases? What if clothing could even be used as a medicine for depression in the future? Of course we are not there yet, but maybe in a few years…? For now, ‘Weatherness’ has made a start by showing some love to the rainy days!
What sources did I use?
http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/nl/blog/surya-david-white-wil-het-weer-weer-leuk-maken (afbeelding 1 en 2)
Always wonder,
Simone
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