Sarah Henrichs is taking a stab at making high-visibility clothing more fashionable. The Henrichs collection consists of "reflective design for savvy travel" ideal of outdoorsy activities such as biking, running, walking and manning a pedestrian crosswalk. In addition to combining capes and armour themed flair, the reflecting clothes are also waterproof, windproof and visible from up to 100 meters away even amongst glare from vehicles and street lamps.
As photographed by Kavan Olbison, the high-visibility clothing meshes design with safety. Created for the "independent, design-conscious urban citizen," Henrichs is an example of the intersection between design and function. While Fast Company's Co.Exist questions the viability of the line as a fashion statement, the bib-like accessories do pose the question of how high fashion reflective garments might go in the future.
Reflective Safety Capes
Henrich's High-Visibility Clothing Makes Caution Look More Fashionable
Trend Themes
1. Fashionable High-visibility Clothing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new designs and materials to create high-visibility clothing that combines fashion and safety.
2. Reflective Design for Outdoor Activities - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop reflective clothing and accessories that cater to outdoor enthusiasts participating in activities like biking, running, and walking.
3. Intersection of Design and Function - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge innovative design elements with functional features to create products that appeal to design-conscious urban citizens.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate reflective elements into high-end fashion lines to create a new niche in the industry.
2. Outdoor Recreation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with outdoor gear brands to develop high-visibility clothing that meets the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Safety Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partner with safety equipment manufacturers to enhance visibility and fashion-forwardness of safety garments used in various industries.