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FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING LAB
[Collection review]
[Collection review]
FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING LAB
[COLLECTION REVIEW]
[COLLECTION REVIEW]
Vision.
This one word could describe the reason for so much struggle, so many problems encountered and solved. People with vision lead the way forward, knowingly or not, pushing the limits, changing the norm, inspiring many more to try themselves. Not bound by convention and not held back by comments from the sidelines.
To expand what's possible in modern clothing one surely needs vision, and it is more than safe to say that Kseniia from [ functional clothing lab ] has more than enough of it.
This one word could describe the reason for so much struggle, so many problems encountered and solved. People with vision lead the way forward, knowingly or not, pushing the limits, changing the norm, inspiring many more to try themselves. Not bound by convention and not held back by comments from the sidelines.
To expand what's possible in modern clothing one surely needs vision, and it is more than safe to say that Kseniia from [ functional clothing lab ] has more than enough of it.
Her constant innovation in the field of functional clothing deserves everyone's attention. Everyday problems encountered on the trail and in the city give birth to outstanding solutions, nearly never seen on a global scale in the industry. Modular and adaptable design of every single piece, having many use cases and shining best in scenarios, where your "conventional" functional clothing would struggle.
We followed the evolution of [ functional clothing lab ] for a while now and the ideas that are brought to the table never ceases to amaze us. Latest "micro collection", as Kseniia calls it, is a concrete proof of that notion. Simple, yet bright color schemes and patterns draw the attention, while the detailing and masterful craftsmanship by its author hit home the idea that outdoor functional clothing isn't always as "simple" as a taped up membrane jacket and a pair of nice cargos to go along.
We followed the evolution of [ functional clothing lab ] for a while now and the ideas that are brought to the table never ceases to amaze us. Latest "micro collection", as Kseniia calls it, is a concrete proof of that notion. Simple, yet bright color schemes and patterns draw the attention, while the detailing and masterful craftsmanship by its author hit home the idea that outdoor functional clothing isn't always as "simple" as a taped up membrane jacket and a pair of nice cargos to go along.
One common thread through the pieces, [ functional clothing lab ] gives her work a unique blend of performance and comfort, while staying very approachable from an exterior point of view. Users, who happen to have long hair, will most certainly appreciate the balaclava with room for a ponytail, a simple and amazing solution for many of us in need for extra warmth, while not compromising our hairstyle. In addition to the balaclava we get an insulated down snood neck warmer. It is stretchy and doesn't need any fiddling around getting on and off. It has two cords on both edges for added adjustability, and it is versatile enough to be used as a hat, over the edge of boots and so on.
One common thread through the pieces, [ functional clothing lab ] gives her work a unique blend of performance and comfort, while staying very approachable from an exterior point of view. Users, who happen to have long hair, will most certainly appreciate the balaclava with room for a ponytail, a simple and amazing solution for many of us in need for extra warmth, while not compromising our hairstyle. In addition to the balaclava we get an insulated down snood neck warmer. It is stretchy and doesn't need any fiddling around getting on and off. It has two cords on both edges for added adjustability, and it is versatile enough to be used as a hat, over the edge of boots and so on.
An outstanding piece in this collection for us is an overall made with a sample material from Majotech called "Lighter". Weighing only 480 grams it comes with angled full length storm flaps and a geometric baggy cut, so it is easy and quick to take on and off, if you happen to be caught off guard by some bad weather. Garment can be taken with you on the move and comes with a roomy hood to accommodate your bike helmet, as well as covers to protect your hands on the handlebar. It also has a few glow-in-the-dark elements for extra visibility. Still being a prototype and a proof of concept, [ functional clothing lab ] says she has a lot of ideas to fix flaws and perfect this piece in the future.
An outstanding piece in this collection for us is an overall made with a sample material from Majotech called "Lighter". Weighing only 480 grams it comes with angled full length storm flaps and a geometric baggy cut, so it is easy and quick to take on and off, if you happen to be caught off guard by some bad weather. Garment can be taken with you on the move and comes with a roomy hood to accommodate your bike helmet, as well as covers to protect your hands on the handlebar. It also has a few glow-in-the-dark elements for extra visibility. Still being a prototype and a proof of concept, [ functional clothing lab ] says she has a lot of ideas to fix flaws and perfect this piece in the future.
While it is not yet birds and flowers outside, spring is upon us, and this season could not be one without a proper pair of shorts. Thankfully, this micro collection includes a well crafted pair, with roomy and angled double cargo pockets with a well thought through design for ease of access. Shorts double in length with a simple pull of a zipper. In addition, the pair bolsters waterproof panels which allow you to kneel and sit on wet surfaces and not have any issues. Materials for this pair are made by Schoeller.
While it is not yet birds and flowers outside, spring is upon us, and this season could not be one without a proper pair of shorts. Thankfully, this micro collection includes a well crafted pair, with roomy and angled double cargo pockets with a well thought through design for ease of access. Shorts double in length with a simple pull of a zipper. In addition, the pair bolsters waterproof panels which allow you to kneel and sit on wet surfaces and not have any issues. Materials for this pair are made by Schoeller.
Down filled garments are definitely a specialty of [ functional clothing lab ]. Here we see a combination of staple pieces into a core warmer and shorts onesie. Being extremely stretchy and not obstructing any movement, this piece can be used as an outer layer, having extra pockets and a 3 slider zipper, that allows you to position a ventilation opening precisely where you need it. Back area of shorts has a waterproof panel, and it also neatly packs into itself.
Down filled garments are definitely a specialty of [ functional clothing lab ]. Here we see a combination of staple pieces into a core warmer and shorts onesie. Being extremely stretchy and not obstructing any movement, this piece can be used as an outer layer, having extra pockets and a 3 slider zipper, that allows you to position a ventilation opening precisely where you need it. Back area of shorts has a waterproof panel, and it also neatly packs into itself.
Continuing on the idea of core warmth, a very neat piece is an insulated shirt with a zip-off back. Having an ability to remove the back panel allows for the use of backpacks without getting too hot and stabilizing the temperature of the body. Addressing the difference in cold spots on a user's body, it also comes with two double zippers on the front, so you can keep the garment on, while having a vast amount of options, when it comes to ventilation. The shoulder panels are insulated with Climashield, so it doesn't migrate and become a cold spot when having a backpack on. Side panels use woven mesh material called Alpha produced by Polartec. Essentially being a synthetic fur, providing breathability and stability, not losing its insulation properties overtime. Outer layer's material is made by Toray Japan. This piece is an absolutely stellar example of thought process and design expertise of [ functional clothing lab ].
Continuing on the idea of core warmth, a very neat piece is an insulated shirt with a zip-off back. Having an ability to remove the back panel allows for the use of backpacks without getting too hot and stabilizing the temperature of the body. Addressing the difference in cold spots on a user's body, it also comes with two double zippers on the front, so you can keep the garment on, while having a vast amount of options, when it comes to ventilation. The shoulder panels are insulated with Climashield, so it doesn't migrate and become a cold spot when having a backpack on. Side panels use woven mesh material called Alpha produced by Polartec. Essentially being a synthetic fur, providing breathability and stability, not losing its insulation properties overtime. Outer layer's material is made by Toray Japan. This piece is an absolutely stellar example of thought process and design expertise of [ functional clothing lab ].
We asked Kseniia to elaborate on the broader concept, behind this project and her ideas for the future of her journey:
This microcollection was specifically created as a part of the photo project between [ functional clothing lab ] and Anastasia Gladkikh. This photoshoot is just the first chapter. It is about explorers who are on the task. Where are they traveling? Maybe on another planet. What are they looking for? Certainly for something that will advance our knowledge of the world. What may be necessary for explorers of this kind? Clothing that adapts to unknown conditions, clothing that is light and packable, clothing that will keep them thermally balanced and comfortable. That was the premise for all the innovative garments I've made. Since explorers were not necessarily bound to Earth I didn't have to be dead serious and create garments that will perform in real expedition, that gave me freedom to imagine and play, freedom to finally bring about some of the wild and weird ideas that were seating in my head for years, but was always disregarded as being to unrealistic, not at all fit for market.
One significant detail about this project is that people who are impersonating those explorers are real people who deeply enjoy outdoors, who understand the value of right clothing and who could really have been members of the space expedition. In this chapter our characters are Nikita Johanson – a gear geek and Xena Poleshuk – polar researcher.
We already have sketched out next chapters' destinations for our explorers. They are demanding clothing for all kinds of conditions and I can't be happier to explore with them my own design horizons.
We already have sketched out next chapters' destinations for our explorers. They are demanding clothing for all kinds of conditions and I can't be happier to explore with them my own design horizons.
If you haven't yet, make sure to follow [ functional clothing lab ] on IG and YouTube and explore. There are many surprises for clothing enthusiasts waiting, since [ functional clothing lab ] is not just a brand, but a research and development project, aimed to boost knowledge and advance the approach to clothing creation, making a community, spreading the ideas, developing and testing concepts.
Vision is something unique within an individual, while also being a torch, lighting the bonfire of progress for and within so many.
Vision is something unique within an individual, while also being a torch, lighting the bonfire of progress for and within so many.
Words: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Editorial:
Idea: Anastasia Gladkikh + [ functional clothing lab ].
Ph & prod: Anastasia Gladkikh.
Clothing: [ functional clothing lab ].
Backpacks: NERPA Gear.
Video: LIL KES.
Story characters: Nikita Johanson (gear geek) & Xena Poleshuk (polar researcher).
Style: Yuna Yusupova.
Asst: Polyna Mayskaya & Oleg Gladkikh.
Editorial:
Idea: Anastasia Gladkikh + [ functional clothing lab ].
Ph & prod: Anastasia Gladkikh.
Clothing: [ functional clothing lab ].
Backpacks: NERPA Gear.
Video: LIL KES.
Story characters: Nikita Johanson (gear geek) & Xena Poleshuk (polar researcher).
Style: Yuna Yusupova.
Asst: Polyna Mayskaya & Oleg Gladkikh.
