686 Reclaim Project Proposal
Concept + Sketch + Design
The RECLAIM Design Project is an opportunity to create an original outerwear garment utilizing reclaimed materials, fabrics trims and supplies from the 686 production facility. This is my design.
686 is the brainchild of a board sports obsessed innovator. In 1992, at the age of 20, Mike Akira West started sketching up designs based on the southern California skate and snow scene he grew up in. He’s been running the show since then, putting out creative, stylish snowboarding gear and never selling out. Born on the slopes of Big Bear, California, and based in Los Angeles, 686 has been independently rider owned and operated since day one.
About the jacket
This jacket is constructed from many recycled fabric pieces and also uses linings, trims, and brand tags as accents. Uniformity in design comes from the color schemes. A family of colors is selected, pieced together, and paired with hints of a contrasting color for a pop.
The design features many pockets: 2 breast, 4 waist, 4 inner, 2 arm, 1 backside, and 1 hood. The pockets are either recycled from other jackets or created specifically for this jacket. I find that many types of athletic clothing either have no pockets or not enough pockets. I sew pockets into my clothing for my stuff: keys, iPhone, ID, credit cards, money, dog waste bags, etc. I find that I need even more pockets when I shred. I take many day trips to Tahoe. I change in my Jeep, and carry everything in my pockets: lift pass, iPhone, keys, ID, cash, credit cards, snowboard repair tool, gloves, goggles, etc. This jacket will provide a place for all of these things and much more.
Other features include a two-way zipper, wrist gaiters, ample ventilation, detachable drawstring hood, and powder skirt. This jacket is killer. Let's make it.
Initial Sketches
The first sketches worked out concepts and ideas I had for the jacket. I really thought about the things that I need in a snowboarding jacket when I take a day trip to Lake Tahoe. The sketches worked out several ideas.
The first idea was a 3 in 1 vest and jacket. It would provide 3 looks, while also being able to shed layers as I got warmer or colder. The sketches have lots of notes, mostly about functionality. Fashion is noce on the slopes, but it function is much more important.
My design was selected as finalist, but was not selected as part of the competition. Only three were selected to compete that year.
