NAOMI JIM-JAMS HARBOTTLE
This project is going to focus on how Anxiety and Depression effect females aged between 18-30. Those who suffer with mental health problems often feel de-motivated, nervous and often want to stay home where they are comfortable or feel a sense of ‘safety.’ I propose to develop a range of outerwear that acts as a wearable safety net or comfort zone for those who need it. It is understandable that clothing alone is not going to combat mental health - but while these people acquire the help they need; they may benefit from this comforting aid. I have developed the concept, ‘Jim-Jams’, which encourages the wearer to proceed with their daily routine. Leaving their house in homely garments, which include reassuring and positive messages embedded. After discovering this potential space in the market, I have conducted research targeting people with mental health problems and those who seek help for their loved ones. This overall received a very positive response and gave me a solid base for my project.
RESEARCH
- definition: a fit of depression or nervousness “JIM-Jams” - childlike word used to refer to pyjamas [informal noun] - pyjamas worn at home, for bed or to feel comfortable
“If we hide our mental health issues, we make it easier for “When I have a general bad “My mind is like a society to ignore us” stomach, my anxiety tells me I’m 1000 squiggley lines” going to be sick - it continues “I want to quit my job until I’m physically sick” and stay at home” “I try to find excuses not to leave the house” “I rarely answer my phone, “I just want to stay I just want to be alone” in bed all day” “Going out makes me A way of marketing this collection could be that a percentage of the money raised by purchases would go towards charities and NHS funding to help feel uncomfortable” “I feel anti-social” those with mental illnesses - not just Anxiety and Depression. Rather than a soley Current/Future Trend: Pink and Grey profitable collection, it could help raise awareness through appropriate funding. “I make excuses when my “I like doing things “I would love to live in a world where I can friends ask me to go out” by myself ” “I feel some people who want to stay at home due to anxiety or depression is to wear my duvet to work.” “ I find it hard on a daily basis. Part of me wants to be normal, and go about feel comfortable in their ‘safe zone’ allowing them to do as they please such my day. But another part of me has came to terms with it, and just wants to “I prefer to stay indoors but staying indoors for too long as wearing more comfortable clothes that may not be socially acceptable to “I’m a hermit” stay in my comfort zone. I don’t really know what it is about home that I love causes me to have anxiety f lare ups” wear outside the home.” “You are not alone” so much, but if I could take that with me - I’d feel a lot closer to home.” “I wish I never had to “Not enough money is spent by the government which is then “I always choose comfort over colour, without a doubt. “I have so many negative thoughts. ref lected at a local level, it can take a couple of months to “I just constantly want to be wrapped in a I do try and stay fashionable though.” leave my comfort zone” “All I do is watch T V which often ends up with me get help. But if it was a physical problem, it would be taken blanket, it helps sometimes” “I go to work, but I count putting myself down a lot.” more seriously” “My dog helps me feel relaxed. “I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, “I prefer to wear dull colours with I don’t know if its him, or his on the days I do struggle quite bad it’s “Having experienced a partner suffer with depression “ I need more clothing that does not small pops of colour, rather than “I could stay in my and roam the internet” down the hours until I can f luffy fur though or both!” almost impossible to function. Making and the lack of support from his work and the NHS cling to the body or that is tight bright colours.” sure you’re in a good state of mind is so I think that more should be done” fitting and covers lumps & bumps. go home again” “Driving makes me pajamas and important with being able to concentrate ” I think if I wear bright colours, it will draw During my low periods, I tend to put whether you’re at work or uni and live attention to me and make me uncomfortable.” on a few pounds, but I feel your life to the full.” dressing-gown all day.” nervous, like sick nervous. self=conscious that its obvious” “I usually stay away from bright “I especially hate the dark mornings, I “Don’t believe colours, so I can blend in and get just want to stay in bed and not have to “I feel like I can get distressed really easily” I prefer public transport, on with my day” get ready to go out” “I find having a good mindset is more everything you think” productive and I’m a lot more functional. Opinions on potential garments: “Something soft, comfortable, “On days where I have trouble leaving the “For the vunerable, there’s but even that makes me “My bed is too comfy, I just feel lazy.. “I don’t think there’s enough help, especially Having a poor mindset is destructive easy to wear, not tight, warm, soft labels, soft seams. Provide house - I would not want to wear bright I just want to sleep more rather than for the younger generation who are still in and detrimental” comfort on the move and act as a ‘security blanket’. If you feel colours. I don’t like the idea of people having to get up” education – things like this can ruin their no place like home.” anxious” comfortable in your clothes the more likely you’ll feel “I feel overcrowded” looking or staring at me” chance at a good future if they suffer from ” I always dress normal to make it look like comfortable tackling the day.”
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Charities + NHS FUNDING
JIM-JAMS
F UR?
“My mind is usually all over the place. It’s never simple”
FAMILY MEMBERS
“Don’t Believe Everything You Think”
SURVEY RESEARCH
“Something I noticed that changed when I problems without sufficient help from “Easy and comfortable are definitely at the top I’m ok to everyone else, but I don’t think it “A bra that doesn’t feel like a bra, maybe lose the wire, had depression was that I was never really professionals” of the list, but I’ve never worn ‘happy’ colours.” affects how I feel other than people being nothing worse than putting a bra on for the day knowing bothered about anything or how I looked.” more comfortable around me. But at times, “Positive messages could be involved it’s going to dig in after an hour.” “As silly as it sounds, sometimes you just need I would wear a hoodie to feel more closed in somehow, possibly encouraging someone there to tell you everything is going to get “I feel some people who may be suffering from or comfortable.” “I much prefer comfortable, lounge clothes to go out in. the wearer” better. That you’re not alone in this” bad mental health conditions would tend to I hate anything too tight or exposing.” “I’m currently wearing the baggiest genie wear more toned down colours such as greys “It’s a struggle just getting out of bed let pants in the world because they make “I like soft textures when it comes to comfortable “People who don’t suffer with these kind of problems - this might be to try and blend in, rather alone making myself look nice” me happy” clothes. It sounds so childish, but I like to feel silky really don’t know what they’re talking about. I feel like this than stand out” clothing tags. I thought it was weird, but My mum ‘comforting aid ‘concept would benefit a lot of people. Like ” People with mental health problems especially depression do wear what they feel comfortable in as it makes says I’ve been doing it ever since she can remember. I you said, it’s not going to combat mental health and it’s not them feel safe and it’s something they can control, although I do believe people might dress to cover up how quite like the feel of fur too. Soft and homely” supposed to, but I can see it helping people cope” they feel and put in a facade - If they look good, they might feel better about themselves.”
CONCEP T BOARD
CONSUMER PROF ILE
Age: 23 Occupation: Student/Sales Assistant Mental Health: Anxiety and Depression Interests: Reading, drinking tea, sleeping, watching movies or binge watching series’, baking and Long walks. Style: Wears comfortable but fashionable clothing. Dark or neutral colours mostly, adding pops of colour to feel positive..
you are NOT alone EXAGGERATED NECK WRAP SEE-THROUGH WATERPROOF
RELAXED PRINT
Blanket/bed linen inspired development This started off quite lomg, then became shorter through research. With the addition of an optional waterproof cover to be worn over the top. Feeling ‘at home’ requires being dry.
BED LINEN DIAMOND EFFEC T
REVERSIBLE P UFFER JACKET Colourful side for those who prefer to wear ‘happy colours’ and more neutral side for those who prefer to blend in.
HOOD HIDDEN INSIDE NECK STAND
P OSI T IVE MESSAGES INCORP ORATED
HOOD T O INCREASE COMF ORT DUCK FEATHER OR WADDING PADDING F OR WARMTH
SLANKET CAP E COAT WATERPROOF OUTER MATERIAL LACE-UP FRONT FASTENING
LOGO
GATHERED SLEEVE T O REDUCE AIR F LOW F UR INSIDE THE P OCKETS T O PROV IDE A SOF T TEXTURE
F UR LIN ING GATHERED CUFF
OUTDOOR LOUNGE PANTS
ZIP FASTENING F UR P UFFER JACKET
F UR COLLAR AND LIN ING T O PROV IDE A COMF ORT ING FEEL
ZIP FASTENING
P O TENT IAL EXTRA: SILK UNDERWEAR W I TH W IRELESS BRA AND ELAST ICATED BAND REP LACEMENT
ENCOURAGING MESSAGES
ELAST ICATED WAIST T O REDUCE T IGH TNESS PRINTED PANEL
W IDER LEG T O REDUCE T IGH TNESS INCREASE COMF ORT STRESS BALL AT TACHED INSIDE THE P OCKET BY A PRESS STUD (REMOVE WHEN WASHING)
WADDING PADDING F OR WARMTH
range plan
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