The client wanted a very feminine yet functional design. The resulting jacket needed to function for the Northwest United States climate and be aesthetically pleasing as well as incorporating current trend detailing.
Exploring different solutions for the wrapping pleats meeting the center back box pleats. Also images show the embroidery that was a factor in determining pleat depth and construction. We communicated extensively with images via email.
Each of the embroidered pleats were constructed individually so each pleat could receive its embroidery. Originally each pleat was to have a slightly different embroidery. The image on the right shows an early embroidery design and my notes to Jennifer regarding embroidery dimensions. Extra lengths of the conductive threads are wrapped around the pins. The threads were left long so they could be stitched through to the zipper tape and come in contact with the slider.
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Electric Foxy

This is a concept jacket that I created for Jennifer Darmour of Electric Foxy. She wanted a jacket that would allow the user to plug their iPod/iPhone into a port hidden in the pocket and adjust the volume of the phone by sliding the zipper up and down. Jennifer did the circuit design and stitching of the conductive thread and the installation of the Lilypad as well as the machine embroidery. Jennifer is located in Seattle, WA, and I am located in Portland, OR. We only met in person twice. We sent patterns, pieces, and samples through Fed Ex and conducted fit sessions via Skype. The jacket is entirely washable and fully lined in a lightweight mesh. The earbuds are integrated into the collar. I did the design, pattern, and garment assembly. We feel like with one more prototype we could have solved some lingering construction and connectivity issues.

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Lori Wahl
Freelance Apparel Designer, Distance Educator, University Faculty, Digital Collaborator Moscow, ID