Vollebak ventures into uncharted territory with its groundbreaking Rock Jacket, a unique piece crafted from thousands of tiny slate tiles. The British brand, known for its innovative use of materials like copper and aerogel, now turns to stone, aiming to make rock behave more like fabric.
Each 5mm x 5mm tile of slate is set on a neoprene backing, creating a flexible yet textured surface. From afar, the jacket resembles a pixelated armor, while closer inspection reveals the natural stone’s intricate layers. This striking design could easily belong to the wardrobe of a futuristic space traveler.
Bridging Artistry and Technology with the Wearable Stone: Steven Leprizé’s Role
The innovative material was developed in collaboration with Steven Leprizé, a French designer and material technologist known for his work with wood marquetry. Leprizé adapted his WooWood technique, swapping timber for slate, affixing the tiles to a flexible membrane. The process is meticulously precise, involving around 50 individual steps, particularly focusing on the cutting process for flexibility and aesthetic integrity.
Simplified Design Meets Geological Mastery
Vollebak has transformed these flexible slate sheets into a minimalist Harrington jacket. Featuring laser-cut slate panels and taped seams, the design is completed with Cordura pockets and a zipper, marrying traditional garment elements with the extraordinary stone surface. While the garment is currently a one-of-a-kind piece, Vollebak sees it as a starting point for further exploration into clothing construction using stone. This fashion innovation exemplifies integrating geological elements into apparel.
For more groundbreaking uses of unconventional materials, check out how a 49-Pound Rock Guitar transforms slate into a musical marvel.
Co-founder Nick Tidball hints at the potential for stone to become a staple material in fashion, just as it has in architecture. This bold experiment with the jacket raises intriguing questions about the future of fashion, bringing a piece of the Earth’s crust into everyday wear.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Vollebak’s Rock Jacket made of?
Vollebak’s Rock Jacket is made from thousands of tiny slate tiles, each measuring 5mm x 5mm, set on a neoprene backing to create a flexible, textured surface.
Who collaborated on the design of the Rock Jacket?
The design of the Rock Jacket was a collaboration with Steven Leprizé, a French designer and material technologist known for his work with wood marquetry.
How does the Rock Jacket combine materials and fashion?
The Rock Jacket combines materials and fashion by transforming flexible slate sheets into a minimalist Harrington jacket, featuring laser-cut slate panels, taped seams, Cordura pockets, and a zipper.