I’ve always been interested in hiking and outdoor apparel, and wanted my project to reflect that combination of utility and style, as well as tradition and aesthetics. I began researching outdoor clothing throughout history. I became interested in Bedouin cultures in the Middle East. The concept of nomadic people sent me further across the globe, to the nomadic tribes of Mongolia. I loved the colors and textiles, the way they utilized leather, the intricate ways in which their garments were made-- sometimes of patches, sometimes out of a whole strip of hide. As I began work on the project, I started to combine modern functionalities and styles with traditional Mongolian clothing. Eventually leading to my final proposal, a long leather coat to be worn by the nomads of the future. I chose sheep leather for its light weight and soft texture. I think the end result is an interesting mix of cultures and styles, combining the traditional and the functional, with both a modern feel and an archaic touch.
