Throughout my research I have thought about the effects myself and other designers are having on the planet. I want to take inspiration from the designers I have looked at and try to ensure I tell a sustainable message by using nature in my future practice.
My suggestion to draw more attention to the issues I have looked at during my research is that we should use social media to make sustainability in fashion a more powerful talking subject. I think if brands made their clients aware of what they were doing then more people would take notice. I also think that if celebrities shared an image of themselves in a sustainable outfit then more people would see it as high fashion, and if sustainable fashion then became a lifestyle, people would make a positive change, not only to nature and the environment, but also to the fashion industry.
Through the survey, I have researched into people’s views of sustainability within the fashion industry and understood how the industry is to progress in order to make it fully sustainable.
McQueen was also one of the key designers in conveying strong messages to the audience about the effect fashion is having on the planet. Through catwalk performances, he questioned what fashion would become with technological advancement, and used it to show an audience how this could help deliver a sustainable message.
Hamnett has a different approach to McQueen, but found empowerment in the most used piece of nature in the fashion industry, the cotton plant, to show what devastating effects it can cause. She uses her passion for saving the planet with fashion and has collaborated with H&M, who has become a business model for the fashion industry to follow.
Stella McCartney is leading the way in giving back to nature with collections that have limited impact on the environment. Nature is at the forefront of her design concepts and helps her to be innovative and unique. Her platform is huge; collaborations with other brands will only help her to display a stronger sustainable message.
Christopher Raeburn has also displayed a powerful sustainable message through collections that aim to show the effects humans and fashion have on nature. This is seen through the repurposing of fabrics and using comparison imagery printed onto fabrics that show how the earth is deteriorating with climate change.
By conducting research I will find out the information needed to answer my dissertation question. This will include primary research ( conducting surveys to gain knowledge) and secondary research (using other peoples research to widen my knowledge).
Primary research involves gathering your own data about a given subject directly from the real world. Examples of this includes surveys, interviews, observations, and ethnographic research. The most relevant type of primary research for my dissertation is conducting a survey. I will use this to question a large group of people in order to understand a range of peoples thoughts and views on the topic of Sustainability. It will include open-ended and closed questions. Open ended questions allow for any type of response and closed questions has a set of possible responses that the participant must choose from. The open ended questions will allow for a rich response and closed questions will allow me to analyze the information easily.
Secondary Research involves the summary of existing research. It can involve statistical analysis (information readily available from the census studies, office of National Statistics, Local Councils and other government bodies) and information research (forms of text, magazines, journals, pamphlets and electronic sources). I will use a range of books, journals, internet sources and videos to conduct a wide range of research on my topic as well as understanding brands and designers in depth. This information research will form the majority of my dissertation and contain great information that will help answer my dissertation question.
As part of my degree I have to complete a blog in line with my dissertation to show the research I have undertaken to conclude my dissertation question. I have chosen the topic of sustainability in order to make it relevant to the practical side of my degree.
By using a blog to create research, it will help me to collate ideas and assess how I will use the sources I have chosen in my dissertation. It will include a range of primary and secondary research as well as my thoughts and ideas on the topic I have chosen. I will research in depth about designers, brands and exhibitions that have influenced the topic I wish to write about.
As my work placement ends, well for this project anyway, I have had time to reflect on all the things I have learnt and experienced whilst being at Fortis! All of which are invaluable and have improved my skills and knowledge for the future especially in this sector to which I strive to succeed in.
Fortis is a growing Company and in its entirety is a brand that is well known within the outdoor community. Oliver, the owner of Fortis Clothing has taught me invaluable skills about his business and how he has achieved success and growth. He is incredibly passionate about craftsmanship and creating wonderful products that have extreme quality. Not only has he taught me business skills but also helped me push my own skills within industry and improve my confidence and self-belief; something I think I would have struggled if I had not had the opportunity to carry out this work placement at Fortis.
I have also realised how important it is to have a solid and collaborative team working with you to ensure stability, passion and success. I have learnt so much from each member of the Team.
Annabel, the office manager has taught me customer relations, how to speak appropriately on the phone as well as dealing with orders and jobs on the list! She has influenced my personal skills such as time management, how to appreciate yourself and your work and to ask questions or for help!
Sophie, the office assistant is a mum to not only her own kids but to all of us! She has made me laugh a lot and also showed me how to turn a negative into a positive! She has encouraged me to deal with tricky questions and customers and also helped me with product photography.
Ruth has incredible manufacturing and pattern cutting skills…they have amazed me each day. She also has expanding knowledge on fabrics, garment tech and structure. I can’t wait to learn more from her and hopefully develop my own skills in this area. When she is not in the pattern cutting or manufacturing room, she is found in the office sorting InTweed. Her measuring skills for bespoke tailoring and finding exquisite tweeds is also something I hope to learn from her as well as managing a range of customers from all different backgrounds.
Lastly the manufacturing team…to sit and watch them is fascinating. They are so efficient but pay attention to detail that produce each Fortis garment. Without them, the company would not run.
I have loved every minute of being at Fortis over the last couple of weeks and can’t wait to carry on over the summer.
Things I have learnt:
What makes Fortis such a special brand – the company, the people, the products and their story!
What has inspired their designs – it is military based which is what makes their clothing high in quality.
Understood how the brand has developed into what it is today – a passionate team, its growing customer profile, its old and new products and Fortis social media.
Understood the market customer – outdoor enthusiasts!
Valuable industry-based skills – customer service, self-confidence, knowing your products, tech design, social media, marketing, product photography, working in a team and fabric tech.
Fortis is most famous for providing practical, durable, fully waterproof military graded gear to the civilian world. The most renowned coat Fortis are known for is the Falkland – it’s one of the best coats found on the outdoor clothing market!
The background of the coat is military and was designed to ensure it met all the requirements of Special Forces around the world. It was given its name when the Falkland Police adopted it and is now Fortis’ flagship Coat.
The coat features everything an outdoor enthusiast should need…it even has a drop down removeable padded seat! The wealth of features includes built in hand warmers, a high collar for warmth, a wire framed and shape-able hood, detachable poachers’ pockets and an inner coat zipped pocket. How fantastic is that!
It is also essentially a 3-in-1 coat which offers a lightweight waterproof outer, a warm shower proof inner and then when combined a warm waterproof coat for maximum protection against all the elements. The outer and the inner zip into each other easily so that the coat can be worn during any season.
This coat costs £425 and is amongst some of the higher priced products of Fortis however its worth every penny and will last a lifetime. I spoke to a customer today who told me he had his for 25 years…his coat was older than myself!! Feedback like that is fantastic and shows how durable and long-lasting Fortis products really are. The Falkland is completely British and comes with a 4-year guarantee which covers any repair or accident that may happen.
Overall, the Falkland Coat describes Fortis as a company and strongly supports their ethos. “Fortis Clothing will continue to provide ‘Peak Performance’ in top quality endurance and sporting clothing.”
Falkland Coat in Black
Customer Reviews
Tony Hudson:“Had this coat for a couple of years now, does the job brilliantly! Heavy snow or rain no problem! Always keeps me warm and dry. Doubt if there is a better coat on the market! Worth every penny!!”
Timothy Douglas: “I purchased this coat just before moving to a small holding in Carmarthenshire last year; since then I have worn it in torrential rain, snow flurries, high winds and the worst that the wild weather we have had could throw at it, all with no issue, it has kept me warm and dry.”
James Reavil: “Had this coat for over 10 years. Still going strong! Sadly, as I’d love a new one! Well done Fortis!”
David Gray: “I have just purchased this coat at the British Shooting Show. I was impressed with the quality and look forward to using it. The guarantee is second to none. After I had purchased the coat so it had no bearing on me buying it I was told there is a four-year guarantee on this coat which means we (Fortis) look after it for four years if anything happens to it call us send, it back and we will take care of it. WOW what a guarantee. Excellent service I bought it on Saturday in Birmingham and it was delivered to Northern Ireland on Wednesday. Thanks”
All the garments at Fortis have a one-year warranty unless otherwise stated where they have a 4-year warranty. With a garment under warranty, the garment can be repaired free of charge, and if the garment is out of warranty, then a charge is applied dependant on the work needed.
I recently dealt with a phone call that needed the repair service and I was able to direct them using the Fortis policy. I explained that the garment had to be washed before it was sent back to us as the seamstresses cannot work on dirty garments due to the damage it causes on the machines. I then explained how to access our returns form on the website and how to fill it out. When the form is filled out, an email gets sent to the office and we reply to the customer with a returns ID Number which has to be written on the outside of the parcel. This number is crucial in our repair service as it enables our factory to correspond the fault and garment with the customer.
The customer that I had spoken to, had a pair of Falkland Over Trousers for 4 years and they had unfortunately started leaking. It has been arranged for these to be sent back to the factory, have the lining removed and then a new lining sewn back into them!
Garments that come in with waterproofing issues, which is quite rare, always receive an outer reproofing using the branded Waterproof Spray. This spray gives the fabric a ‘beading effect’ (where the fabric on the garment allows the water to bead off and not saturate). This spray is incredible and I have had first-hand experience of using it. I sprayed my t-shirt with it and poured water on the t-shirt – the water droplets became balls of water that rolled off the surface!
The ‘Beading Effect’ in action!
Not only is the repair service a fantastic way of being sustainable but also provides a great customer service!
Today I learnt about the layering system at Fortis and how it works in vigorous environmental situations. From the explanations given, I used my digital skills to create visuals making it easier for the customer to understand.
With the layering system, layers can be added or removed to accommodate the temperature range you are in as well as if you are active or static. Making sure the customer knows their environment is key when determining which layering system they should use. Factors that Fortis have considered within the system are temperature changes, weather changes, elevation gain, wind chill factor and moisture in the air. They system is based on four temperatures.
1) Freezing Tempratures – Extremely cold environments are normally dry and sunny. The priority will be insulation and wind protection.
2) Cold/ Dry/ Windy – The most common winter condition is cold and wet. Staying Dry is the key, with base layers wicking well and insulation supporting both the waterproof and base layers.
3) Cold/Wet- Similar to Cold/Dry and Windy with more waterproofing.
4) Warm/Wet – Breathability is the ley part of the protection from the elements. The softshells and light rain jackets will provide plenty of protection from light/medium rain but will still provide maximum breathability.
Moisture management is one of the main factors to consider when layering garments for an adventure. There are two factors that make up moisture management – Condition/Environment and Perspiration.
A diagram to show how the system works
When layering, you think about the first layer to the last layer. The base layer should be highly breathable and remove moisture quickly and transport it to the next layer. The second layer will be your fleece/wool sweater and its function is to relay moisture and insulate body heat. The third layer is insulation which is dependent on weather conditions and will regulate body temperature and allow for extreme warmth without causing perspiration. The final layer is the outer shell which is dependent on the moisture as well as the temperature of the environment. The function of the outer layer is to expel perspiration back to the environment and protect moisture from coming in.
The Layering System is made up of 5 layers called F. O. R. T. I. S!
F – for Base Layers – this is a new adventure for Fortis, where they will start making Alpaca Wool Base Layers. The fibre is a fantastic natural base that is warm, lightweight and breathable. The fibre is also extremely effective as thermal underwear in the cool or cold conditions when skiing or mountaineering, while thinner fibres are perfect for summer activities.
O – for Fleeces – again, Alpaca Wool Fleeces will be made to provide this layer which will regulate and transfer moisture through all the layers efficiently and effectively.
R- for Insulation Layers – these are mid weight performance layers which ca be worn as insulation or as standalone garments depending on the environment. These are lightweight, breathable and highly wind resistant.
T- for Wind protection Layers – these are wind layers and trousers that are designed for lightweight wind protection. They are built of ripstop with a 4-way stretch arm and wind gusset and offer excellent protection against light rain and snow.
I – for Soft Shells – this layer is designed to protect you against wind and rain during active use. They are built out of an extremely breathable and 4-way stretch material that allows fo excellent mobility and protection against the elements.
S- is for Rain Layers – this is what Fortis are most famous for! Complete wind and water protection in environments. These garments have fully taped waterproof seams and are built out of the Fortech Layering System. These layers are extremely long lasting and provide peak performance in unfriendly conditions.
From the visuals I have created, the customer is aware of all the information and how the layering system can be used to their requirements. It has been published on the website with links to products that are available in each layer making it easy for the customer to shop the layers.
The Countryside Alliance is a British Organisation promoting issues relating to the countryside such as farming, rural services, small businesses and country sports, aiming to “Give Rural Britain a Voice”.
Each year, the Countryside Alliance host a ‘Rural Oscars’ where businesses are judged and champions are crowned at the House of Lords.
There were nominations for each of the regions over five categories making up of 17,000 submissions! I am very PROUD to say that Fortis Clothing was nominated for the Rural Enterprise Award South West. Back in April we were visited by the judging team, where they had a tour of the Factory and learnt more about our special business. Today, Fortis received confirmation that they were regional winners and have been invited to the House of Lords National Winners Reception….how exciting!
With a close knit team and a very innovative and creative Leader we were able to tick the boxes that met the requirements to win the award.
We were proud to explain that Fortis is a diverse and energetic business and that our team is made up of all generations who all strive to reach peak performance in the outdoor sporting industry! The team is more like a family who each have their specific roles and work together to create the business. February to September the team are at shows trading and speaking to all our Fortis Customers; we really do hear what our Customers have to say and act on it.
We also pointed out that at Fortis there is more going on than just our factory, you see, Fortis HQ is located on a farm in the beautiful countryside of Devon. Like many farms, Oliver has made his farm diverse in its function. One minute he can be in the office thinking up the next creation for Fortis, the next lambing!
What is more special is that Fortis is making their stance in the local area where we are proving British Manufacturing at its best and boosting the local economy by providing jobs and bringing our Customers to the local area.
Finally, we know that more people are learning about Fortis, its ethos and how our small Devon business is creating outdoor quality endurance clothing that lasts.
Fortis
clothing uses innovative fabric technologies to ensure their garments withstand the environmental conditions faced for outdoor activities and pursuits.
Fortech
is Fortis’ weather-proof system which explains how their fabric technology works to battle against the elements. I have created a diagram of the system as a demonstration tool for customers.
Layer
1 in the image represents the body and the heat you release when undertaking an activity that involves you perspiring.
Layer
2 in the image shows the Fortis Drop Liner which is the main fabric which keeps the product waterproof and you dry.
Layer
3 is the Drop Liner Laminate which is attached to the dropliner to allow water to bead off the coat whilst still being an extremely breathable material.
Layer
4 is Fortis’ main fabric called Ripstop. Ripstop is used on high-quality camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and hammocks. This is incorporated into the Fortis garments to provide extreme durability through its breathable properties and heavy wearing
cotton fabric with a high-quality water-repellent finish. Ripstop is also a lightweight interwoven polyester thread which creates a crosshatch pattern ensuring immense durability in the product. This is woven with coarse, a strong warp filling yarn placed
in intervals, so that tearing of the fabric will not spread should it happen.
This
System is a key factor in what makes Fortis’ brand unique. Fortis is renowned for their clothing being highly waterproof and customers often ask how they do this and how the garments have such a long lifespan. By showing them Fortech, customers can understand
how our coats are designed and the durability of the clothing.
jessicaboulton 