First, I would like to say that I am thankful for this opportunity and enjoyed every moment from the rough sketches to the final rendering of the uniforms.
I would like to first explain the hands with different colors in the images are the color options the uniform comes in. The colors correspond to the illustration and will show what parts of the uniforms are colored in.
The first thing I considered when designing these uniforms was the environment these children are living in. Clothes are an essential part of living, and it has a significant effect on the comfort of someone’s life though it can function as something completely different. I figured these children are not focused on making a fashion statement but more on their own education and future, so I created a uniform that was practical yet stylish and fun for the kids.
I have done some research on the environment and the lifestyle of the people in Sierra Leone, and from the information that I read the parents of these children struggle to support their family. I figured that these children probably do not have a closet full of clothing, so I designed something that could function as a uniform when they are in school but also as an outfit they could wear outside of school.
First for the boys, I added pockets to the boy’s uniform because I know that young boys like to play around with small toys or small objects they find on the ground; by adding pockets on the sleeves and on the chest of the uniform, these boys have a place to hold their objects. Maybe it’s pencils or pebbles or just notes, he can store whatever he wants in his pockets, and because he has plenty of pockets on his uniform, he can store as many objects as he pleases. It also has a closure snap button so that he can feel safe that whatever is stored in there is safely tucked in and only his to open or close; no one can easily stick their hands to take his things. Also, I added “fake” collars to the uniform so it can look presentable and professional for school, but it can also help bring comfort and ease to both the boy and the mother. By adding these fake collars, the uniform allows the child to have air flowing on the back of his neck that real collars limit. Also, stains from sweat can ruin a collar, especially when the weather is very hot, so taking away the collar makes it easier for the mother to wash and comfortable for the boy to wear without feeling tight around the neck.
For the girls, I designed a one-piece dress that could function as a uniform and a stylish dress that she could wear out of school. The mini jacket is attached to the dress so she can look presentable in school; the reason I decided to have this jacket attached rather than separate is because it would require more fabric to create two separate pieces, which means more money would be required; it would also mean adding another layer of fabric, which would make it uncomfortable for the girl because it would make it too hot for her to wear. I also added pockets on the bottom half of the uniform so the girl has a place to store her pencils or anything she needs that could fit. Pleating was also added to the bottom of the uniform so it adds a touch of flirty fun to the dress that the girl would enjoy. I also added slits to the side of the sleeves so it would allow some air to flow through, making it cool for her to wear so she can be as comfortable as she can be in her uniform. I also added the slits because I want the girls to feel pretty, like she owns something that is unique and cute.
For both uniforms, I tried to consider the environment and the lifestyle these kids are living in, therefore creating something that could bring comfort and convenience, but children are children, so I added a touch of playfulness to the uniforms that they could enjoy wearing.