desierto
H&M x Aalto Collaboration Sportswear Project, 2018
DESIERTO is a concept capsule collection for sportswear, inspired by spiritual pilgrimages through the desert. The vast landscapes and natural rhythmic patterns of the sand, as well as the monotone artworks of Pierre Soulages and Piero Manzoni, are the main influence for the colour and material design. Nomadic tribes served as inspiration for the functional nature of the garments and accessories.
The finished prototype is the DUNAS modular jacket and backpack, conceived for a day in the desert where temperatures will greatly vary, therefore allowing the user to roll up or completely remove the sleeves and collar.
An innovative cutting technique creates a subtle pattern on the hard leather, which allows the material to be extremely flexible and extra breathable, while still retaining its inherent protective elements. The webbing straps allow the user to adjust the jacket at every level for a snug, protective fit.
There is a juxtaposition of soft, light, and airy fabrics against hard, textured materials that frame both the body and garments themselves. The contrasting materials aim to balance each other out. Cuts and textures made on the leather make it a softer, pliable material that echoes the patterns in the sand, while over-layed panels and gatherings in the soft fabrics create the illusion of a sturdier material.
Garments in monotone, muted and transluscent fabrics drape around the body comfortably, and the strappy details and leather accessories in saturated colours create outlines around the body. All the pieces in the collection, including the accessories, are light and transformable, perfect for the nomadic spirit of the wearer.
Editorial photography by Eeva Suorlahti
