Slow Fashion Brand Pattern Nation Releases Playful, Gender-Free Jumpsuits

Up here in the northern hemisphere, Spring is upon us. And we only have one question: Do you have a bright jumpsuit? Pattern Nation, the eclectic queer fashion brand based in Vancouver Canada and South Africa, is solving our winter woes with their new Jumpsuit collection, handmade and locally-sourced, priced at $175 per piece, shipped internationally.

They come in 3 sizes: Medium, Large, and XL, and custom orders are also available! Contact: patternnationbrand@gmail.com for more information.

Fashion is a powerful and multifaceted form of self-expression — it shapes how we present our genders and personalities while also telling a story about who we are as people and where we come from — our culture, our values, our socioeconomic status, and our ethical priorities.

As a creative platform, clothing brand, and artist collective, Pattern Nation considers all of these elements when designing playful, ungendered garments produced in one-of-one or small-batch runs. The pieces are made using original artwork, deadstock, and off-cut fabrics in vibrant colorways sourced across so-called Canada and South Africa. The goal is simple: clothing can be comfortable, expressive, and more sustainable — and it should spark joy for both the wearer and the viewer.

This jumpsuit collection is especially close to our hearts. Each piece is sewn by Cyd Eva and Costa Besta in their home studio in Coquitlam, BC, with jumpsuit fit drafted by Brianna Mend Klassen. After several small runs over the past few years — and consistently positive feedback on the fit, comfort, and gender-fluid style — we created our largest Pattern Nation jumpsuit collection to date.

The editorial was photographed in Vancouver with a wonderful circle of creative friends at a pop-up venue run by Portal Art Society, staged against a vintage cloud movie backdrop. Every model involved in the shoot maintains a creative practice spanning painting, sustainable food production, burlesque, dance, and circus arts — reflecting the same spirit of individuality and creative freedom that inspired the collection. Here are some thoughts from a selection of models in the shoot about how they incorporate playful fashion into their lives. 

“I love using fashion as a playful way to move through the world and express myself. I enjoy having variety — from my usual monochromatic looks to bright, bold colours and patterns. As a visual and movement artist, I feel most connected to my flow when I’m comfortable and grounded in my body, and the right outfit always elevates my creative vision.”

— Hooman (@hoomancreates)

“I love getting playful with accessories and makeup. I’m drawn to colourful eye looks when going out and almost always pair an outfit with a fun bag. From ice-cream shapes to camera bags to bold colour pops — a great bag completes the look for me.”

— Nicole (@nicole_ashleigh_modelling)

“Fashion and style is an extension of myself. I use it to embody the vibe and mood I feel. On a day when I'm feeling my best, I love  styling myself up head to toe, from makeup to accessories, nails to shoes. I love looking and feeling my best. Some days my style is more elaborate and some days it's very simple and cozy. I love bold colors, vintage wears, dresses that flatter my body, unique crochet pieces, oversized hoodies, upcycled jackets and fun lipstick color!

“Recently I have been falling in love with upcycled pieces and natural fibres that are good for the skin! The slow fashion movement is where it's at! I have a big admiration for all sustainable designers who do not contribute to the corporate and commercial generic fast fashion. I prefer and choose to wear clothes that have stories rather than brands.”

— Uni (@unichainz)

“Being a creature of dynamic expression, I love to embellish myself with colour, pattern, while finding simplicity in my style for the day. When I'm getting a look together, I seek satisfying textures, shapes that honor my fluid sense of gender, and elements that remind me of being part of nature.

“There's always a sense of play involved with how I present myself because life is short! Why not embrace fashion that celebrates how I see myself?

“Generally I lean into a monochromatic base that supports my comfort, and then the pattern or color choices that express the nuance of how I want to be in community that day. Topped with an accessory or bag that blends function with fashion? Say less, I'm already there.”

— Katie Rose (@rosie.thornbush)

“I am a colourful queen, who is always adorned in patterns, colours and jewelry. I have been drawn to vibrant style since I was young and dressing myself has always been one of my greatest joys. As the founder of Pattern Nation I love to incorporate my playful style into the pieces I make. What started as learning to sew so I could dress my body in clothing that feels good has turned into something so much bigger and I absolutely love seeing friends and customers find joy in wearing Pattern Nation creations.”

—Cyd (@cydeva)

“Coming from South Africa there are various types of fabrics that have happy patterns and colours in our culture. I was drawn to fashion from an early age and I always had ideas of how I wanted to dress myself. I created a clothing label with a friend in South Africa focusing on colour blocking and bold prints and that's when my passion started to really kick in. Now as an artist with Pattern Nation I bring my creativity to everything I design.” 

— Costa (@costabesta)

CREDITS

Models:@cydeva @costabesta @hoomancreates @rosie.thornbush @unichainz @poupoute_arts @nicole_ashleigh_modelling

Photographer: Thelonius Dule Mthombeni (@monk1x)

Location: Portal Studios Art Society (@portalartsociety)