"Ré-Guard-A"

BACKGROUND

The Sarawak Regatta is an annual boat race held along the Sarawak River. The event was first formed back in the 1800s by James Brooke as a peaceful alternative to stop the violent, racial wars among the tribal villages where headhunting was often the solution to conflicts. Now, the grand occasion sees representatives from local villages around Sarawak gather in friendly rivalry, teamwork and sportsmanship to prove their power and strength in peaceful competition between the tribes.

DESIGN STATEMENT

Inspired by the Sarawak Regatta, the Ré-Guard-A is a coat designed to protect its wearer in the fight against Covid-19. Featuring long, flowing sleeves of sheer fabric, the Ré-Guard-A sleeves employ a pendulum mechanism by attaching rigid paddles at the hem to swing and fan out the sleeves as the wearer moves, mimicking the movement of boat paddles rowing against the water. Topped with extruding shoulder pads shaped like rowboats, this feature of the garment serves as a social distancing mechanism as the sleeves movement creates both visual and auditory warning as the paddles slap against one another.

The upper bodice of the Ré-Guard-A is then designed with details alluding to a life-jacket; incorporating snap buckles and black striping patterns set against an eye-catching red colour. The black criss-cross patterns across the front is also reminiscent of the alternating rowing patterns of the regatta paddlers.

The lower portion of the coat then features pockets to ease the storage of hand-sanitizers and other necessities needed on the go, hidden behind pleats that imitate shiplap; the texture similar to that of a boat which is a symbol of security in the journey through uncertainty, as is fitting for the current pandemic.

Last but not least, the high collar of the Ré-Guard-A is also embellished with tiny gold loops that tethers a face mask to the coat via a gold chain accessory.