Hơi thở của thông (Breath of the Pine)

Category: Apparel

We are living in an era where climate change is no longer a forecast; it has become a harsh reality. Intense storms, faster-melting ice, and extreme temperature fluctuations force humans to ask the question: "How to adapt?" Growing up in Northern Vietnam, I have become all too familiar with the sharp contrast between the scorching heat of summer and the bone-chilling cold of winter. This harshness creates a wasteful paradox in consumption: wardrobes are always divided into isolated compartments, and outfits are only used for a few months and then forgotten, contributing to the enormous amount of waste in the garment industry. I wondered: Could a garment "evolve" itself to accompany humans through all seasons of the year? The answer came when I observed pinecones in the natural environment: they close their scales tightly to retain moisture and protect seeds when encountering cold air, but open wide under the sunlight to disperse the seeds of life. This Biomimicry mechanism is the inspiration for my design. By using cowhide as the primary material, I want to create a product that not only has aesthetic beauty but also possesses the "intelligence" of nature – a modular system that can self-adjust its morphology to protect the wearer's body. The design features a 3-tier length system: Corresponding to the need for temperature change. The body can transform from a dynamic short jacket (waist-length) for summer, into a mid-length Manteau (thigh-length), and finally a long Manteau (calf-length) for the freezing winter. Using a system of eyelets and leather straps with snap button stages at the armholes and waist allows the wearer to adjust the opening between the 1st and 2nd body panels according to personal aesthetics and can be detached. Zippers are used to connect the 2nd and 3rd body parts, ensuring closure and heat retention for winter. The original short mandarin collar structure combined with a zipper can be fitted with an additional hood or high collar according to preference. Utilizing leftover leather scraps, I cut them into small scales, layering them like the scales of a real pinecone to create highlights for the shoulders, hips, and the hem of the garment. By attaching one end of the scales to the body, these small scales move as the wearer moves, creating a highly eye-catching visual effect. "Breath of the Pine" is not just a design; it is a manifesto for a sustainable lifestyle. Instead of owning many items, the wearer only needs a smart modular system made of cowhide to customize according to aesthetics and weather. By integrating the functionality of many coats into one, I hope to minimize the amount of textile waste and provide a true fashion solution for the future.

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