Ashwin Lewis
The sleeping bag coat, a staple of winter wardrobes, has an intriguing history. From its early beginnings as a life-saving invention to its evolution into a fashion statement, the sleeping bag coat has undergone a fascinating transformation. The story of this unique garment involves innovation, social impact, and a touch of whimsy, showcasing the power of design to not only protect but also to inspire. The sleeping bag coat is more than just a functional item; it has become an iconic symbol of warmth and style, capturing the imaginations of both those who seek comfort and those who crave fashion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Designer | Norma Kamali |
| Year | Early 1970s |
| Inspiration | Kamali's camping trip to Upstate New York |
| Other Designers | Bas Timmer, Jody Turner |
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What You'll Learn
Norma Kamali's design inspiration
Norma Kamali is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur, born in 1945 in Manhattan's Upper East Side, New York City. She is best known for her iconic "Sleeping Bag" coat, which she designed in the early 1970s. Kamali's design was inspired by a camping trip she took to Upstate New York, where she found herself wrapping her sleeping bag around her shoulders during a chilly night. This moment of "hypothermia" sparked the idea for the ankle-length puffer coat that we know today.
Kamali's innovation extended beyond the "Sleeping Bag" coat. She is also credited with popularising the use of shoulder pads in women's wear in the 1980s and played a role in adapting exaggerated shoulder pads to casual clothing. Additionally, she designed the red one-piece bathing suit worn by Farrah Fawcett in the iconic 1976 poster and the swimsuit worn by Whitney Houston on her 1985 debut album cover.
Kamali's other notable contributions to fashion include her line of clothing made from real silk parachute material, which was adjustable in length and fit by drawstring. She also reached a peak of fame with her 1980 "Sweats" collection, which featured casual garments made from sweatshirt fabric, including the famous rah-rah skirts.
Kamali has been recognised for her contributions to the fashion industry with several awards. In 1981, she won the Coty Award, also known as the American Fashion Critics' Award. She received the CFDA Board of Directors Special Tribute Award in 2005 and the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. In addition to designing clothing, Kamali has also ventured into fitness, health, and beauty lines, and published a memoir titled "I Am Invincible" in 2021.
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The coat's cultural impact
The "sleeping bag coat" was designed by New York designer Norma Kamali in the early 1970s. The coat is a long, ankle-length puffer jacket, and it has had a significant cultural impact since its creation.
The coat is known for its functionality and ability to provide warmth in extremely cold weather. Kamali was inspired to create the coat during a camping trip in Upstate New York, where she wrapped herself in a sleeping bag to stay warm during a cold night. This functionality has made the coat a popular choice for those experiencing harsh winters, with people wearing the coat for various activities, from running errands to attending theatre openings.
The coat has become a staple of winter fashion, with people embracing the style for its modernity and practicality. It has been described as a "culture-altering trend" that has made puffer coats as much of a winter staple as Ugg boots. The coat's popularity has spanned different social groups and geographic locations, with people from various backgrounds and regions, such as Rochester, New York, and South Korea, adopting the style.
The sleeping bag coat has also made appearances in popular culture, with notable figures such as André Leon Talley, Lady Gaga, and Solange donning the iconic red version. The coat has been featured on college campuses, with students wearing it even in milder weather, and has been compared to extreme environmental wear.
The design has been replicated and reinterpreted by various fashion brands, with New York-based brand Khaite offering long-line zip-up coats, and Stockholm-based Acne Studios releasing belted and hooded puffer jackets filled with recycled down and feathers. The coat's popularity has endured, with people continuing to choose it for its functionality and style, solidifying its place in the cultural landscape.
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Sheltersuit by Bas Timmer
The Sheltersuit Foundation, established by Bas Timmer and Alexander de Groot, is a non-profit organisation that provides portable, durable, and water- and windproof jackets to the homeless. The jacket can be transformed into a body suit by zipping it onto a sleeping bag, assuring warmth and rain protection. Bas Timmer, a Dutch fashion designer, first came up with the idea for the Sheltersuit while pursuing his fashion studies. He received news that the father of a friend had passed away from hypothermia while sleeping outdoors on a night when the temperature was just 8 degrees Celsius. The tragedy, which occurred as Bas was designing one-of-a-kind luxury outerwear, prompted him to create a jacket with an additional piece that could be attached—this was the first Sheltersuit.
Bas Timmer took the first Sheltersuit to a shelter and offered it to a man sleeping nearby. The man immediately showed interest and asked if he could share it with two friends who were living in even worse conditions. Bas promised to return with more. After gathering the necessary materials, resources, and donations, the Sheltersuit Foundation produced their first 100 products. Bas returned and delivered the Sheltersuits to the man's friends, officially founding the Sheltersuit Foundation. The Sheltersuit Foundation has been active since 2014 and operates in Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United States. Each country offers products designed for the local climate and people's specific needs.
The Sheltersuit is made from upcycled and recycled materials and includes a waterproof and windproof bodysuit with a zip-fastened sleeping bag that can be easily attached. It also has a matching backpack for storing the garment during the day. The suit features a large hood, an integrated scarf, lightweight and warm insulation, large pockets, and strong windproof cuffs. The Sheltersuit was designed to meet the real needs of those trying to survive on the streets, providing immediate shelter and serving as an emergency solution.
In 2017, Bas Timmer partnered with Dutch actor and presenter Johnny de Mol, his movement on the Ground, and the Wakawaka Foundation to provide 1,500 Sheltersuits and compact solar-powered Wakawaka flashlights to refugees in camps in Lesbos, Greece. Additionally, 650 Sheltersuits were distributed to refugees in Sarajevo in 2018. Timmer has also been working on a warmer-weather suit called the Shelterbag, which can protect against rain without causing overheating.
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The Empowerment Plan
In addition to employment, the organisation offers educational and professional workshops to equip team members with the skills and confidence necessary to lead more sustainable, financially stable, and healthy lives. The Empowerment Plan believes in giving second chances to those who want it, while providing warmth to those who need it. The organisation's story has been shared at various events, such as the World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Forbes 400 Philanthropy Summit, with Oprah, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett in attendance.
Founder Veronika Scott has received numerous accolades for her work, including the IDEA Gold Award from the Industrial Design Society of America, an honorary PhD in Humane Letters from Johnson State College, and the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award from the JFK Library Foundation and Harvard University. She was also named one of CNN's Ten Visionary Women in the World and listed in Forbes "30 Under 30".
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Moncler's luxury puffers
Moncler is widely credited with promoting the puffer coat as a luxury fashion item. The brand has showcaseed hundreds of styles in recent seasons, ranging from practical versions in their regular collections to fantastical collaborations with renowned designers like Richard Quinn, Simone Rocha, and J.W. Anderson.
In 2019, Moncler made waves by partnering with Valentino's Pierpaolo Piccioli to create puffer coat ball-gowns, an unexpected fusion of elegance and functionality. Moncler's roots can be traced back to 1952 in the mountains of Grenoble, where they first developed padded sleeping bags, later translating this design into down jackets that became a key item.
The iconic 'sleeping bag coat' was also popularized by New York designer Norma Kamali in the early 1970s. Kamali's inspiration struck during a camping trip in Upstate New York, where she wrapped herself in a sleeping bag for warmth in the middle of the night. The resulting ankle-length coat became a symbol of both practicality and modern style, with celebrities like André Leon Talley, Lady Gaga, and Solange donning the signature red version.
Today, Moncler continues to innovate with its luxury puffers, offering a range of styles for men and women. From short down jackets and quilted styles to long-sleeved gilets with zipper closures, Moncler's puffers combine warmth and fashion, often featuring subtle designer touches like chest logos and sleek silhouettes.
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Frequently asked questions
The sleeping bag coat was designed by New York designer Norma Kamali in the early 1970s.
Kamali was inspired to create the coat during a camping trip to Upstate New York. She wrapped her sleeping bag around her shoulders when she got out of her tent in the middle of the night and made a run for the trees.
The sleeping bag coat is made from down-filled quilted fabric.
Moncler is usually credited with promoting the modern puffer coat as a luxury fashion item. The label has shown hundreds of styles in recent seasons, from practical versions to fantastical collaborations with designers.
Yes, designer Bas Timmer designed a sleeping bag coat called the Sheltersuit to help the homeless keep warm. Another notable design is the Element S coat, which is self-heated and waterproof, designed by a 21-year-old design student for a humanitarian project called The Empowerment Plan.
