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Cali Hoodie as Safety Apparel
red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007
| design: |
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| Ravi Itiravivong |
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Cali Hoodie is a hoodie that also functions as safety apparel for skaters with integrated protective pads.
The obvious difference between vert (ramp) skaters and street skaters is that vert skaters almost always have to wear protective gear such as helmets, and elbow and knee pads. This is because they have to deal with a lot of speed on the ramp that could lead to serious accidents. Street skaters, on the other hand, may be skating at slower speeds at times, but this doesn’t mean it is less dangerous. Even for more advanced street skaters, falling on tricks on the rails or an ollie over a long staircase can also lead to serious injuries. Both types of skaters deal with gravity and a lot of speed, but street skaters are not normally seen wearing protective gear.
Wearing protective gear can be uncomfortable and give the wrong image when nobody else is wearing it. The skater needs to be able to move and be flexible, and do tricks comfortably. Protective gear, at times, seems unimportant.
The goal is start a new positive trend for skaters. Cali Hoodie is safety apparel with integrated protective pads for skaters. This hoodie has openings on the shoulders and elbows where the custom-made protective pads can be inserted. The lightweight compressed brace material on shoulders, elbows and wrists also allows flexibility. Cali Hoodie is worn as a piece of clothing, and functions as safety apparel when one skates.
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