PCA Vision 2021

PCA Vision is an annual design competition sponsored by the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide. Each year PCIAW challenges applicants to design a garment for a specific profession of their choice. The designers are encouraged to create something, “wonderfully imaginative whilst also commercially realistic and practical.” (PCIAW)

For my design of protective clothing for avalanche search and rescue teams, I was selected as a 2020/2021 finalist and invited to debut my design at the PCIAW Awards. The Awards took place in London in November of 2021. Pictured above I am seen on the far left next to my model. Continue reading below for details about the garment.

The first step in the process was ideation. I was inspired to design an outfit for avalanche search and rescue teams after spending time in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains. I spoke to a competitive skier to learn what the risks of skiing are and how a specialized garment could help these workers.

Prototyping and Design

The final design featured reflective, waterproof, high-visibility fabric ideal for the conditions faced by avalanche rescue workers. Additionally the jacket had an adjustable hood and waist for ideal protection, comfort, and mobility. Both articles included many secure utility pockets for storage of tools and other essentials. Lastly, the pants have quilted and padded knees, to protect from knee injuries which are the most common injury for people on skis.