In the Quantum realm, fashion is not just about aesthetics, it's about sustainability and innovation, it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible. And that's exactly what this jacket represents - a fusion of art and technology to create something truly unique and environmentally conscious. This jacket demonstrates the power of upcycling by repurposing used coveralls and turning them into a bomb-ass eco-friendly duster. Upcycling has a long history in our culture, dating back to the time of chattel slavery when resources were scarce, and creativity was a necessity for survival. It was common practice for enslaved Africans to repurpose discarded materials, such as clothing and tools, into useful and practical items.

This tradition continued throughout the Jim Crow era, which is one of the reasons I was inspired by the coverall, as a nod to Joseph K Bowler's Jim Crow traveling kit.  If we continue our journey into the Civil Rights Movement, Black folks used upcycling as a form of resistance and self-expression. One great example is the Gee's Bend quilts, made by Black women in rural Alabama using recycled materials like old clothing and scraps. My use of upcycling in this jacket is a nod to our story and a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of Black folks in the face of adversity. It's a tribute to the legacy of our ancestors, and a continuation of a cultural tradition that values creativity, sustainability, and ingenuity.

It also pays homage to Harriet Tubman's bravery and ingenuity in leading the Combahee River Raid. The quilted lunar chart on the back of the jacket is a design element that speaks to both the history and the future of Black culture in the Americas. The Combahee River Raid, led by Harriet Tubman, was a crucial moment in the fight for freedom during the Civil War. This is significant because it ties in the Combahee River Raid's military strategy with the natural world, specifically the moon's phases. During the raid, Harriet Tubman and her team of Union soldiers timed their attack to coincide with a low tide and a full moon, which allowed them to navigate the river and approach plantations undetected.

The lunar chart on the jacket is a visual representation of this strategic use of nature and serves as a reminder of the critical role that the environment played in the success of the raid. By using the moon's phases to their advantage, Tubman and her team were able to navigate the treacherous river and coordinate their attack, successfully liberating more than 700 individuals who were enslaved.

But it's not just the story behind the jacket that makes it mystical - it's the technology that makes it possible. The quilt pattern on the jacket is created using quantum computing algorithms, which allow for the creation of complex and intricate designs that were previously impossible to produce.

The deep blue color of the jacket is not just any blue - it's a shade created using quantum dot technology, which provides a level of color accuracy and vibrancy that traditional dyeing methods simply can't match. And the material itself is infused with nanotechnology that allows it to repel water and stains, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

This jacket is a symbol of what's possible when creativity, technology, sustainability, and nature intersect. It's a glimpse into the future of outdoor fashion, where the boundaries between art and science are blurred, and where we can create beautiful and functional clothing without sacrificing the health of our planet.