For our uniform designs, we were looking for a way to provide sophistication and athleticism all in a child’s garment. Each team member brought a different element to the table. Xenia is a fashion major who provided design detail ideas. Paige is a fashion marketing and management major who brought production ideas on how to make the most efficient and unique designs. Roque, originally from the slums of Columbia, has had first hand experience, not unlike these children. He is an industrial design major who contributed to the functionality of the designs.
The girl’s uniform is a blouse and skirt separate. The top is a button up with cap sleeves. The back of the top has an open back slit that ties at the neckline. This will help air circulation to keep the girls cool. There is paneling in the front down the princess line. There is bias trim that is on the two front seams, neckline, and sleeves. The same trim is on the back slit that extends to make the ties. On the front there is a pocket for items such as a pen or pencil for school. The skirt is a wrap skirt that buttons shut. The skirt overlaps substantially so that the skirt can be adjustable for different sizes. There are pockets on the skirt as well. The hem on the skirt has extra material so the skirt length can be adjusted. The front of the hem gradually rises for design purposes. The back of the skirt waistband is elastic. This is also for adjustable purposes. Elastic has a short life span so we decided that only the back would be elastic so the skirt could be quick to pull on. Buttons are used to close the skirt.
We wanted to give the boy’s uniform a sporty feel, almost resembling a soccer uniform with functionality. We understand that this may be the only outfit they have for the time being, so we wanted the pieces to be fun to wear. The polo top has an Italian style collar and a kangaroo pocket. The two pockets on the shirt are functional for the boys carrying their school supplies and small toys. The sleeve length and shorts length are adjustable. The extra material is folded and buttoned down with a flap. The shirt has a back vent that buttons down. This is to circulate air into the shirt. The shorts have six pockets; the side bottom two are darted to allow them to expand. There is a corded utility loop where the children can attach keys or other items. The back of the boy’s waistband is also elastic for the same purposes. Instead of having a zipper for the front of the shorts, we decided to use two extra buttons due to the zipper’s short life span due to dirt and repeat usage.
Overall, we were aiming for a moveable, breathable, and stylish uniform. We think this was achieved through the details and simplicity of the designs.