i n t r o d u c t i o n Recognising the undeniable shift in individual lifestyles, pace of life, performance pressure and collective commitments are just some examples contributing towards our “age of anxiety”. This project begins with a detailed exploration of such an affliction. The cause and effect which highlight a systemic cause for concern, not least triggered by the outbreak of Covid-19 but also the digital revolution perhaps accented by our surveillance capitalist state. This project entails an investigation into the causes of popular suffering by thorough reading backed up by vocalised discussion. It is guided by contributions of designers and products, responding with curiosity to their projects. Practical development stems from digital tools and craft techniques. And biomaterial experiments attempt new recipes to infuse in the wearer’s experience. Clothes have long been a vehicle for protection so this project revisits this evaluation to re-establish a more relevant connection. The following steps explore the existing techniques offered by clothes to relieve our symptoms of distress. Evidence to support this new direction of design responsibility arise at the vertices of sensory, protective and wellness approaches. Collecting as many relevant examples as can remotely relate to benefitting the wearer creates a noticeable gap for where the project can be identified. This also highlights the prevalence and potential for Cosmic Armour to prevail.
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