Chaude Couture, a project by design studio fabulism, reimagines rainwear through the lens of sustainability, tradition, and climate adaptation. Selected as the winning proposal for the Biennale d’Architecture et de Paysage d’Île-de-France (BAP!) 2025, the project offers a new perspective on how clothing can act as both shelter and statement.

As France faces a projected temperature rise of +4°C by 2100, designers are rethinking how we adapt to shifting climates. In Paris, 2024 marked the wettest year since records began in 1873, a trend that signals more frequent and intense rainfall. In this changing urban landscape, protection from the elements is no longer just architectural—it’s personal.

Ancient Materials, Modern Meaning

In tropical and monsoon climates, rainwear has long been made from organic materials. Cultures across East Asia—including Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan—have used rice straw to create naturally water-repellent garments. These pieces direct rain along the fibers, keeping the wearer dry without the use of synthetic coatings.

Fabulism revives this heritage with a custom-designed piece made from rice straw, developed in collaboration with Italian hatmaker Barbisio – Cappellificio Cervo. The garment takes on the shape of a dome, combining fashion and architecture in a lightweight, structured form. Rather than merely covering the body, it becomes a micro-shelter—protective, breathable, and biodegradable.

A Move Away from Plastic

Traditional raincoats rely heavily on plastics, which contribute to climate change and pollution. Plastic manufacturing produces high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, microplastics contaminate water, soil, food, and even the air we breathe.

Chaude Couture proposes an alternative. By using renewable, biobased materials, the project reduces environmental impact while introducing new design language. It challenges designers to rethink the role of garments—not just as fashion, but as tools for environmental adaptation.

Where Fashion Meets Landscape

The project blurs the boundaries between clothing, architecture, and the environment. It speaks to fashion designers, architects, interior designers, and landscape architects who are looking for climate-responsive material solutions. Each piece is not just worn—it is inhabited.

In a future of heavier rainfall and rising temperatures, Chaude Couture offers a poetic yet practical response. It embodies the idea that design can protect, inspire, and reconnect us with nature—all without leaving a trace.

Source: fabulism
Photos: fabulism / David Carson