There is no doubt that plastic can be fantastic. But its treatment post use is essential to the responsible use and application of the material. If thrown into landfill some plastics can take up to 500 years to decompose, others never will. With the use of plastic increasing in Western Europe by 4% each year, it is more important than ever to think about how we can recycle plastics and increase their life expectancy.

The ethos behind Fusion collection was to create luxury outerwear using recycled  and re-appropriated plastics that are both innovative and beautiful; a garment that the owner will be reluctant to throw away. The technologies behind the pattern cutting adhere to this ethos and are made from rubber moulds which are designed to be reusable. Above all the garments in Fusion have to be beautiful and show the consumer that recycled products can be luxurious and desirable. The hardwearing nature of the plastics increases the life expectancy of the garments further and the statement pieces can be worn again and again and again. Fusion is designed to make plastic fantastic for longer.

The collection has also derived from a fusion of traditional Japanese straw raincoats and the iconic British Mackintosh. Its construction and decoration is achieved through stitchless heat forming techniques and ultrasonic welding. Through sumptuous colour, lustrous gloss and a harmonious mix of synthetic and natural fibres the collection pushes the boundaries of rainwear.

The result is a witty collection for both men and women that encapsulates sophistication, style and luxury.

studio@janebowler.co.uk
www.janebowler.co.uk

Photography: Joanne Warren
Welding construction: Jo Lewis at TWI Ltd