After the initial success we decided to launch our product on Kickstarter. The fashion industry, based largely on an ideology that celebrates glamour and the perfect body, is therefore particularly
challenging to connect with and explore in relation to issues of disability. Most of the few fashion accessories available on the market are originally designed either for people without disabilities
or as basic medical devices.
The Pilius raincoat for wheelchair users is designed for disabled. It is a unique raincoat for wheelchair users which has contemporary aesthetics and functionality. It provides fast and effective protection against rain and the elements. The coat is actually high performance clothing that is technically functional outerwear made with top quality materials. The design maintains a contemporary look providing, individuality, translucency, and customized features.
Their project is based on a proactive approach to creating a designer product that benefits those with both temporary and permanent limited mobility.
PILIUS is a unique raincoat for wheelchair users that pays particular attention to contemporary aesthetics and real functionality - providing fast and effective protection against rain and the elements. This exceptional raincoat covers the entire body as well as the wheelchair, without interfering with the wheelchair's manoeuvrability or overall operation.
Pilius fits snugly into a discreet bag with Velcro loops that fit onto the push handles or push bar of any manual wheelchair. On the lower part of the bag are two zippers that open from the middle outwards. With one simple move, the user pulls the sewn-in reflective strap and unfolds the raincoat from the back of the wheelchair.
Pilius is fashioned from a waterproof, windproof and vapour-permeable material made by Schoeller, a Swiss company specialized in high-tech textiles commonly used for sports and active lifestyle applications. The translucent fabric helps create a contemporary, urban look and emphasizes the individual style of the user.
Features like a thoughtfully designed hood, extended and reinforced sleeves, customized strapping options and reflective tape that provides high-visibility, are all designed and constructed to fit the
body perfectly, providing real comfort and protection. And a front pocket for smaller, personal items can also be used to stow the raincoat in a small, more compact package.
About the Designer:
Petja Zorec is part of the new wave of Slovenian fashion designers, bold enough to fuse contradictions, resulting in surprising and beautiful ready-to-wear. In 2013 she finished MA in Fashion design from Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering at University of Ljubljana, where she now works as an assistant. She is a regular feature on Ljubljana's fashion week.
Her collections meet the demands of everyday life with bending gender specifics and pre-conceived ideas. By combining traditional textile techniques with hi-tech, often athletic materials her clothes effortlessly shift back and forth between work and play, slow and superfast, cozy and cerebral.
Petja Zorec designs sportswear inspired menswear with emphasis on knitwear that can and should be worn by women also. Her liberating, innovative approach to design is getting more and more attention from individuals and companies, working in other creative industries, lining up exciting exhibitions and collaborations.
During her short career she received numerous national and international awards such as
Awards for Special Achievements (University of Ljubljana), Month of Design Award; Prospects - fashion design, highest national students award; Prešeren Award for best diploma, award for Sustainable Development of Republic of Slovenia, first prize in international creative DESIGN (DIS)ABILITY challenge and many others.
For more information:
Web: http://www.design-dis-ability.com/
Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1619665743/pilius-raincoat-for-wheelchair-users?ref=nav_search
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/pilius_raincoat/
http://www.facebook.com/Pilius-515891598581895