One of the greatest indicators of river health is the presence of keystone fish species such as salmon and trout. Many rivers no longer support Atlantic salmon runs due to an epidemic of dams built during the industrialization period, when they were permanently blocked from migrating upstream. These species are critical to the landscape; they support biological productivity by returning nutrients to the land and entangling with both ocean and inland waterways. Our ecosystems require intensive repair. A critical part of remediation is engaging communities with their surrounding ecosystems, building relationships to land built on care and acknowledgement of what our ecosystems need. 

The sphere of outdoor recreation has been traditionally geared towards a specific masculine, nature-conquering archetype. How could apparel facilitate a relationship between the human and more-than-human through a shared need for protection, comfort, and survival, but also vulnerability and community?

This vest is crafted from double-bed machine knit fabrics which are reflective of the bright reds, greens, and oranges characteristic of these species. The piece reimagines and transform the fishing vest from something masculine and neutral to feminine, soft, colorful, and texturally interesting using an ottoman ribbing technique. It is a piece to be worn during thoughtful engagement with ecosystems in repair, respectful of the needs of both water and the organisms swimming underneath.