Speedo is determined to deplete its surplus stock of LZR swimsuits (centre) via a series of creative collaborations—the first fashion project, with UK label From Somewhere, we revealed back in September. Now, Speedo has revealed the second project in association with British design students.
The speed suit that propelled Michael Phelps to superhuman victory at the Beijing Olympics was subsequently banned for being the swimwear equivalent of steroids (or something). Rather than spoil all the fun, Speedo has now handed the suits to keen students at London College of Fashion, University College Falmouth and the University of Huddersfield.
The results largely kept the suit’s underwater credentials in tact, with a selection of cutout swimsuits, bikinis and board shorts with a utilitarian jacket and mini cape throwing a bit of a curve ball.
No word as to whether the concepts will reach stores, like the From Somewhere collection, due to land early 2011. The first creative venture for LZR explored architectural design. The S-Pavillion (below), made from 200 Speedo suits and built around FSC certified timber, went on display at the London Architectural Festival in July.
As a means of sustaining the suit’s ground-breaking reputation long after it’s been decommissioned, the collaborations are clever. And by providing our future designers with the means explore the potentials of upcycling, it’s invaluable.
- Speedo LZR: part tres
- From Somewhere to somewhere new
- The Uniform Project redux
- Preview: Bassike SS10/11
- Fashion Less Waste
