In 2016, Parsons School of Design graduate Angela Luna designed a utilitarian collection of transformable outerwear to help address the shelter, flotation, and visibility challenges that confront refugees, “people who have been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.” The weatherproof coats, jackets, and capes can convert into tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, child carriers, and inflatable floatation devices. From NewSchool.edu:

“I want to make clothing that does something, as opposed to making clothing that’s beautiful or just to be worn,” says Luna, who created her collection Design for Difference to help Syrian asylum seekers on their journey to find peace. “Trying to solve problems and be relevant to the fashion market was a major challenge, but it worked out in the end.”

Luna, Fashion Design ’16, who was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2016 Parsons Benefit, embodies the school’s commitment to using design for social good. She has earned praise from the fashion world and proved that designers can do more than just make beautiful clothes—they can change lives.

Luna is now the founder and president of Adiff, a humanitarian fashion startup. Her company is working to design and distribute the innovative garments, as well as educate and raise awareness of refugee crises around the world.

Learn more about Luna’s efforts: Why This Young Designer Left Behind Couture And Evening Wear For Ethical Fashion.

via TKSST.