Lifeline: New York Artists Unveil Tote Bag That Converts Into a Life Jacket
Amid New York Climate Week, an anonymous collective of five artists unveiled Lifeline, an innovative tote that transforms into a self-inflating life jacket. This design, motivated by recent subway inundations in the city, critiques both fast fashion and environmental issues. Made from repurposed vest materials, the tote inflates within 15 seconds and comes with a detachable rain hood. Creative director Phil Le Brun remarked on the contrast between everyday life and crises, emphasizing the urgent realities often obscured by consumer culture. This marks the group's inaugural project, with further designs anticipated. Emmett Orgass provided photography for the initiative.
Key facts
- Lifeline is a conceptual tote bag that converts into a self-inflating life jacket, created by five New York artists.
- The project was timed to New York Climate Week and is not for sale.
- It responds to recent flooding in the New York City subway system.
- Materials include three yards of nylon, polyester zippers, cording, and metal locks, mostly from a deconstructed life vest, heat-welded together.
- A zipper through the bag's flap and body allows head passage; a detached rain hood stores inside.
- Inflation is achieved by pulling straps, with conversion tested at around 15 seconds.
- Creative director Phil Le Brun called it "an essential that shouldn't exist" and a "narrative object."
- Photography is by Emmett Orgass; project credits include Philip Le Brun, Gabriela Mestriner, Jack Inzer, Julia Albuquerque, and Lucila Hernandes.
Entities
Artists
- Phil Le Brun
- Philip Le Brun
- Gabriela Mestriner
- Jack Inzer
- Julia Albuquerque
- Lucila Hernandes
- Emmett Orgass
Institutions
- Lifeline
- Dezeen
- Mother
- Riksbyggen
- BBDO Nordics
Locations
- New York
- United States
- New York City
- Sweden
Sources
- Dezeen —