ELEVATE
PEARL IZUMI LINE DEVELOPMENT
As a four person team, our directive was to develop a five piece collection for the cycling apparel company PEARL iZUMi. The central theme of our collection revolved around balancing sustainability goals with the performance requirements of our target market. Throughout the process we conducted market research, identified sources of inspiration, developed branding material, designed a line of products through CLO and created tech packs for each of our products in the PLM system Backbone.
CONCEPT STORY
Our A/W 2021 collection addressed the unique performance needs of experienced mountain bikers through thoughtful garment engineering and sustainable sourcing practices. To achieve this, we had to acknowledge that the interaction between a rider and their bike requires a certain level of understanding that isn't always reflected in today’s apparel offerings. So we looked to the wisdom of the mountain biking community, to steer our design decisions and create a more harmonious experience that would allow our riders to focus on the trail ahead.
MARKET RESEARCH
To identify our target market and develop an understanding of their needs, our project began with a survey that we sent out to mountain biking community's on Reddit and Facebook. Through our survey, we identified a target market of 18-35 year old males, who were primarily employed in the tech industry and resided in the western United States. From there, we analyzed our qualitative data and pinpointed three major areas to focus our developmental efforts towards.
REQUIRED PROPERTIES
MISSING FEATURES
MISSING FEATURES
STORAGE
Lack of proper storage options were noted across survey responses. Respondents noted a need for zipper secured pockets that weren’t concentrated around the legs.
PURCHASE MOTIVATORS
FIT
Fit ranked highly for both purchase motivators and missing features. Common feedback was that inseams ran short and that jackets restricted range of motion.
REQUIRED PROPERTIES
DURABILITY
Paired with the prevalent need to replace worn out gear, our highest-ranking property calls for high quality, abrasion resistance fabrics that can withstand the harshest rides.
INSPIRATION
Inspired by the vistas of the natural world our collection took form in a palette of earth tones and subtle pops of color, reflecting our collection’s grounded utilitarian identity and our determination for a brighter future.
LINE OVERVIEW
Our commitment to sustainability was reflected in our selection of fabrics and trims. Polyester fabrics were incorporated throughout the entire line due to their recyclable composition and ability to deliver basic performance needs at an inexpensive price point. While our use of recycled water bottle based NATULON zipper trims worked to create a holistically sustainable product. For performance needs, we primarily focused our efforts towards developing customizable fit options and weight balanced storage systems. To achieve these goals we addressed fit problems with our adjustable fit systems and storage concerns with our easily accessible and secure mesh lined pockets.
MESH LINED POCKETS
Mesh lined pockets improve garment functionality and breathability by adding additional storage and ventilation options.
COPPER ION FABRICS
Made from 100% recyclable material, polyester fabrics work twofold to reduce waste production and deliver performance needs.
BUCKLE CLOSURES
Adjustable buckle closures are an inexpensive solution that allows wearers to adjust their fit on the go, perfect for high motion activities.
ADJUSTABLE FIT SYSTEMS
Adjustable fit systems provide consumers with a customizable size range that can accommodate a wide range of fit preferences.
RECYCLED POLYESTER FABRICS
Made from 100% recyclable material, polyester fabrics work twofold to reduce waste production and deliver performance needs.
NATULON ZIPPERS
YKK Natulon zippers are sustainably sourced from post consumer PET bottle products and can be used to secure stored items.
BRANDING MATERIALS
To inspire our customer base towards sustainable action, we developed the tagline "Elevate Your Impact," representing the positive impacts sustainably driven individuals and corporations can have on the environment. Mirroring these sentiments, we took a no frills approach in the construction of our branding materials, reducing our consumption of finite resources wherever possible and utilizing 100% recycled paper products in our hang tags and packaging.
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