Young designers stitch together wardrobe solutions for females in the trades

Emerald Naumannwas a landscaper for foursummers and always struggled to find clothes made of strong, flexible fabrics designed to fitwomen.

She turned to thechildren's section of thrift stores to findboys clothes that were short enough for her.

Nowin her final year of the design and technology programattheRichmond campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University,Naumannis trying to fill that hole with new designs.

Her creations bridge the gap between traditional outdoor gear and what's needed for construction work. She aimsfor a balance between durable fabrics and ease of movement.

The knee design of her bib overalls, for instance,allow a range ofmovement to crawl on the ground. And they'relayered with fabric that resists water, mud and stains.

Growing up in the industry

Fellow Kwantlen student JustinaVendittelli has a father in theconstruction industry. She shares his passion for building and design, but her materials are canvas and stretch fabric.

She's alsocombining the attributes of work and athletic wearto increase comfort,mobility and sweat absorption.

Her waterproof overalls have stretch panels to make it easier toclimbladders and benddown all day.

Both Naumann and Vanditelli's designs are part of the 2019 The Show on April 18at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Wilson School of Design in Richmond.

Kwantlen design students fill need for female clothes for women in trades

6 years ago

Duration 7:15

Emerald Naumann and Justina Vendittelli think function and fashion