Ephraim's Introduction
Ephraim is a bright young boy with lots of interests. He has three rare disorders that require him to have a feeding tube and another tube that empties his bladder. Because of this, he needs to wear a backpack at all times. He does not let this stop his likes and interests, as he loves to express himself through bold colors, prints, and art!
Detail Summary
Decorative properties such as print and contrast were used to create visual impact. The design features bold, printed side panels with his artwork that continue from the shirt onto the pants to ensure a seamless and cohesive transition. This seamless transition embodies the spirit of his artwork, titled “Flow of Water.” Just as water moves effortlessly, adapting to its environment while maintaining its strength and beauty, the design mirrors this natural rhythm. To not wash out his skin color and to ensure his artwork is the highlight of the outfit, these panels are paired with a dark purple double brush fabric to create a beautiful contrast against the printed panels. Functional elements of the riding outfit include a versatile rainbow zipper that can also be used on his backpack and riding pants. To also complement his artwork, purple rainbow zippers were consciously chosen to be both stylish and functional. They are inserted into the side panels to ensure easy, independent dressing with his orthotics. The zippers feature large, easy-to-grip tabs, specifically chosen due to his limited dexterity skills. On top of the unique side zippers, the riding pants have a much wider leg to accommodate the orthotics more than standard riding pants. The backpack and riding helmet's print shares the same name as the artwork on the panels, creating a cohesive and meaningful connection between the pieces.
Design Process
Sketching the Design
Ephraim loves to make his artwork on Adobe Fresco and sells it on two websites he has designed himself. Because of this, I thought it would be great to make one of his artworks as a signature print on his horse-riding outfit. To complement it, I decided on making the solid color of the rest of the outfit purple as his favorite colors are pink and purple. I designed the look on Adobe Illustrator and later simulated it into VStitcher so both Ephraim and his mother could visualize the final look.
3D Simulation
When I showed him the simulation, he was honestly more interested in what software I was using to make it happen, as he loves technology. Even when I mentioned the avatar was bald, he was still enamored by the software, though he had a very brief “wow!” when it first popped up on screen.
Rendering the look into VStitcher honestly did not help with visualizing fit alterations and did not fit as well on the avatar as it did in person. I struggled with getting Ephraim’s proportions right via avatar due to limited measurement options. As Ephraim’s mother lovingly put, he is “all torso”, and the avatar editor struggled with this. It also struggled with the legs, as I made his calves larger to simulate when he wears his orthotics. Despite this, the pressure map helped in figuring out where exactly I needed more fullness in the leg. It also revealed that I ensured enough fullness was added to the front to allow for free movement.
Sampling
After we settled on a design we both loved, we worked on fit alterations that would help making dressing a bit easier. His custom outfit features well-thought out features for easier dressing:
- a wider calf, complemented with rainbow zippers to allow for easier dressing with his orthotics. Before, he had to aggressively roll his riding pants up his leg to put the orthotics on, causing a struggle for both Ephraim and his mom.
- a dolphin hem in the front and back for modesty. His mom mentioned his stomach can expand a lot in a given week, so the dolphin hem accounts for that!
- a higher back rise
- a dolphin hem in the front and back for modesty. His mom mentioned his stomach can expand a lot in a given week, so the dolphin hem accounts for that!
- a higher back rise
These small changes would encourage more independence in dressing, though Ephraim is already independent as is!
Creating Ephraim's riding outfit integrated the introduction of new techniques regarding equestrian wear through fit adjustments and functional elements for the wearer. Watching Ephraim try on his new outfit for the first time truly underscored how impactful it is to have clothing that fits his unique needs. Though the wider leg and zippers were there, Ephraim attempted to roll the pants leg up as far as he could as that was what he was used to. Witnessing the adaptations function in real time was a deeply meaningful experience, offering me a great sense of fulfillment as I realized how even a small change could make just one part of his daily routine easier.
Final Look
Though only a riding top, pants, and helmet cover were required, I opted to create a matching backpack that also showcases his artwork so he could match the rest of his outfit! Check out Ephraim's custom look walking the runway!
