Winner shares all: Jess Puntan relives her thermolactyl design project

Jess Puntan recently won our thermolactyl design project which we ran with the University of Leeds.

Here's what Jess thought of the challenge...

Hi my name is Jess Puntan and this month I won the Menswear competition for the Damart Thermolactyl design project with the University of Leeds. The whole project was an amazing experience and a challenge I greatly enjoyed!

I researched both the brand history of Damart and current designs. Damart is well-known for its thermals, which use Thermolactyl, the material I used. This fabric traps air within the garment, keeping the wearer insulated, and its wicking properties keep the wearer dry. My design aimed to bring together the brand values of innovation, consideration, pleasure and vitality, combined with sports-inspired thermals. I took Damart’s Activbody+ range, designed for intense exercise and active sports, as the basis for my design.

It was the first time I had worked with jersey, and I wanted to make functional and comfortable thermals with a modern, sports-inspired style. I designed a tightly-fitting top and leggings, with contrast panels, a funnel neck collar with a drawstring, visible elastic waistband with sporty-style detailing, like panels and cover- stitch. The fabric has a reversible side, which I used for the panels.

In March I was chosen as one of the 11 finalists and was delighted to have the opportunity to have my work professionally styled and photographed. Presenting my finished garment and the ideas behind it was really exciting, but the wait for the decision following my presentation was very nerve-wracking.

I am absolutely thrilled at winning. Working with Damart has been an invaluable experience, and one which will influence my development as a designer. I hope to continue building on my skills and creativity. A big thank you to Damart from all the competitors for working with us at the University of Leeds.

My website has more images of the process of creating the top and leggings, from my initial design, to pattern cutting and constructing. My other design work is also on my website. Please have a look and let me know what you think.

http://jessicapuntan.wix.com/jess-puntan#!damart-menswear-thermals-/cfwc

University of Leeds fashion students compete to design the thermals of tomorrow

Menswear winner Jess Puntan and womenswear winner Katherine Hannah Williams celebrate their success

This week our thermolactyl design project with the University of Leeds came to an end as we picked the overall winners of the project.

Our Product Director, Lynn Cordall said: “Over the years our thermals, which are worn by everyone from arctic explorers to pop stars, have evolved to match trends ranging from practical to sexy to suit everyone young or old. But as we celebrate 60 years of thermals we wanted to examine how far we could take the design of thermals and what better way to do that than challenge young fashion students.

“We were delighted with the results which were really fabulous, the students had worked really hard not only on their final designs, but on their research and understanding of how the fabric works. They have challenged our ideas for future designs which is exactly what we wanted them to do. It was hard to pick the winners and I see a bright future ahead for many of them. ”

Designs included dresses, sportswear, playsuits and ski-wear.

The winning students, one in menswear, one in womenswear and two runners’ up each received a cash prize and the final 11 designs will be photographed on professional models and displayed at our HQ in West Yorkshire.

Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, Lynne Webster said: “Many of our students will go on to work in a variety of different industries so we are always keen to partner with companies like Damart.

“For this project the students worked with the thermolactyl material which is very different from anything else they’ve worked with in the past and it has provided a great learning experience.”

Step out with new spring styles

As we finally walk away from winter’s cold clutches, unfortunately there’s still a little bit longer to wait for hot sunshine.

Make sure you keep the spring chill at bay with our chic range of jackets.

·           Navy box jacket, available in navy and white, sizes 10-26, £49

·           ¾ sleeved jacket, available in fuchsia and navy, sizes 10-26, £45

·           Polka dot trench coat, sizes 10-24, £45

Pretty pastels

Spring/summer fashion is taking the well loved pastel trend one step further this season with head-to-toe    pastel outfits being all the rage. Mix and match your favourite pastel colours for a new take on this popular  look. 

Our pastel pink blouse with pretty floral detail inside the collar and cuffs is a subtle take on the trend and looks great tucked into shorts or skinny jeans for a preppy summer style.

·          Perfect Fit Blouse, available in pale blue, blue stripe, white, rose and rose stripe. Sizes 10-26 from £22. 

Our pastel cotton skinny trousers come in eight shades, pale blue, pink, white, stone, grey, taupe, navy and black. Why not style with a bright jacket or clashing coloured shirt to create a stunning head-to-toe look. 

·          Cotton stretch trousers, available in sizes 8-22 from £22. 

If you need a cover-up to complete your outfit or just want to add a splash of spring style to your favourite  look, then try our pastel peach cardigan.

·         Cable cardigan, available in mint, peach and cream. Sizes 10-24 from £25. 

      For further info on our gorgeous SS13 range visit www.damart.co.uk 

Damart makes a warm gesture to the West Yorkshire Playhouse

We decided to donate some much needed thermals this week to the cast of ‘The Market,’ a new play produced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The play, part of West Yorkshire Playhouse’s Transform Festival, tells the story of Leeds Kirkgate Market and in an interesting twist, will be performed in the historical market itself.

Phil Anderson, our Marketing and E-Commerce Director said: “We’re always looking for ways to support the local area and this is a great opportunity to do so. Kirkgate Market has a long and interesting history and is still such an important part of the city’s community.  The play is a fantastic idea and we are delighted to be able to support the team and help keep everyone involved warm.”

Kate Jeeves, Development Manager at West Yorkshire Playhouse said: “Damart’s donation has been gratefully received and we’d like to thank them for their generosity.  The actors and production team are used to working and performing inside so, with this play being set outside it’s a big change and made all the more difficult thanks to the recent freezing conditions.  Damart’s thermals will make a big difference!”

The play will be taking place from 16th – 20^th April at 8.30pm each evening. 

For more information about the production please visit www.wyp.org.uk

For more information on our fashion and thermal range please visit www.damart.co.uk

Golden girl, Hannah gives her heart to charity

Double Paralympic gold medallist, Hannah Cockroft models this year’s limited edition ‘Love Your Heart’ t-shirt.  With all profits going to Heart Research UK it’s the ideal way to help support a worthy cause while staying stylish and cool this summers.

Made from Ocealis, an innovative cooling textile, you will not only look stylish in this year’s t-shirt but will also stay cool and dry all day long, no matter what the temperature outside.  Great for summer holidays.

Designed by us, all the money raised will be used to fund pioneering projects into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, the biggest killer amongst women in the UK.

Hannah said, “I'm really proud to be the face of this campaign and support the fantastic work that Heart Research UK does. By buying this versatile t-shirt you too will be helping a great cause. Please help make a difference and buy one today!”  

Our Marketing and E- Commerce Director Phil Anderson said, “We are delighted to be working with Heart Research UK for a sixth year and have the support of gold medallist, Hannah Cockroft.  The majority of our customers are women and unfortunately don’t seem to realise how at risk they are from heart disease, particularly as they grow older. 

“We hope to not only raise as much money as possible for the charity, but also increase awareness about the disease in order to help our customers, staff and people around the UK look after their hearts.”

Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK said: “To have Damart’s support is fabulous.  Heart disease touches so many lives, some people are born with it and others develop it later in life, often through making unhealthy life choices.  In fact around 270,000 people have heart attacks in the UK every year- that’s one every two minutes- and 1.6 million people live with heart disease everyday. 

“The money raised from this campaign will fund pioneering research to improve the treatment for youngsters who have undergone heart surgery or are living with a congenital heart condition.   Pioneering, unique projects will develop specifically-designed exercise and healthy eating programmes to suit their particular problems.  We aim to help them leave hospital with the confidence they need to keep as fit and healthy as they can and with Mums, Dads and carers all given this advice and support as well, they will have the best chance to lead happier, healthier, longer lives.”

The stylish white t-shirt is made from Ocealis, an innovative cooling textile that keeps you cool, fresh and dry all day thanks to its quick dry and heat release technology. Available in sizes 10/12, 14/16, 18/20, 22/24 priced from £24 with all profits going to charity. 

The limited edition charity t-shirt is available to buy here

For more information on Heart Research UK click here

Summer swimwear with an added extra…

As the sun starts to make an appearance again, thoughts instantly turn towards summer holidays and long days spent on the beach, splashing around in the surf.

And yet if the idea of slipping into a swimsuit fills you with a little bit of dread, then look no further than our new swimsuit range for SS13, which helps to create the perfect silhouette with all over control.

You can’t go wrong with a black swim suit.  Our version features a flattering draped front, with cup support  and full body powermesh to ensure the smoothest of lines.  Also available in hot pink, in sizes 10-26, from £39

For those who are a little bit more adventurous then look no further than our eye catching floral swimsuit at a cool £39.  Featuring secret cup support and all over body control you can confidently stand out in style.  Available in sizes 10- 26.