Dezeen Magazine

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Dutch Design Week 2013: this fashion collection made of heavy-duty black tarpaulin by graduate designer Martijn Van Strien is on show at Design Academy Eindhoven as part of Dutch Design Week, which kicked off yesterday.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Martijn Van Strien made each garment in his Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear collection from a single piece of tarpaulin, with only straight cuts and sealed seams so they are easy to manufacture.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

"This series of coats explores the possibilities of combining very durable but inexpensive materials with fast and effective ways of putting them together," said Van Strien.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

"After the economic downfall and the decline of our society life on this planet will be tough and unsure," he continued. "For people to survive they will need a protective outer layer which guards them from the harsh conditions of every day life."

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

The Dutch designer explained that the basic shapes were inspired by Brutalist architecture. "It has an austere feeling due to the linear, fortresslike and blockish look," he said. "The style comes off cold, distant, sober and mysterious."

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Martijn Van Strien was awarded the Keep and Eye Grant for his project at the opening of the show yesterday morning.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Images are by Imke Ligthart.

Here's some more information from the Design Academy Eindhoven:


The future may be bright, but it might also be very dark, says Martijn van Strien. He considered the worst-case scenario and came up with the ultimate back-to-basics collection for harsh conditions.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

Made with minimum cost and effort from a single piece of heavy-duty black tarpaulin, with only straight cuts and sealed seams. The styles are inspired by Brutalist architecture, giving this outerwear a linear, invincible look.

Dystopian Brutalist Outerwear by Martijn Van Strien

The design says it all: brace yourself and be safe.