by Amanda Coen


Navigating city streets on a rainy day is a chore, particularly if you’re commuting on foot with your umbrella/briefcase/groceries/stroller/labradoodle in tow. For the pavement-pounders of the world, Athanasia Leivaditou of Studio NL has an ingenious solution: a full-body jumpsuit that incorporates an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof trousers. Winner of the Silver A’ Design Award in Fashion and Jewellery Design earlier this month, the “Umbrella Coat” can be adjusted according to the severity of the weather. The capacious hood keeps its wearer dry without the awkwardness of holding an umbrella, providing a hands-free option for folks with enough to juggle even on the driest of days.


DON’T BLAME IT ON THE RAIN
Leivaditou designed the Umbrella Coat to serve a range of purposes. If water levels rise, the coat converts into trousers. On days when the hood falters against the onslaught of wind and rain, a transparent plastic membrane extends to deliver nearly complete coverage. It even includes strings to secure all components of the design should winds really pick up.
The hands-free aspect makes it well-suited for people with disabilities or someone who needs to stay dry while performing a physically active job.
With the umbrella coat there is no either-or—raincoat and umbrella are one. The hands-free aspect makes it well-suited for people with disabilities or someone who needs to stay dry while performing a physically active job, say a traffic cop or a bike messenger. And because the hood extends above your shoulders, you don’t have to worry about avoiding other umbrellas on a crowded street.
Although the Umbrella Coat isn’t available for purchase just yet, Leivaditou is working to put her design into production. She has already devised a prototype from aluminum and locally sourced synthetic leather. It’s not the most flattering of silhouettes but that’s never stopped people before, Snuggie-lovers included.

(Source: www.ecouterre.com )