I am writing to support all those who have written so far with positive feedback for Cape’s fashion design program, but I want to take the importance of this career path one step further.
The designation of fashion is perhaps selling this profession short, as it connotes the world of haute couture and not the total scope of clothing design. It leaves out the technical expertise required for human engineering; biomechanical knowledge; use of form, fit and function; fitness for use and kinesiology.
In my 30-year career developing combat clothing and personal protective equipment for the U.S. military as well as foreign defense forces, we relied heavily on clothing designers and their knowledge of all aspects of human-performance needs along with technical textile engineering to meet the strict uniform needs of today’s soldier, sailor, airmen and Marine. They developed the slant-shoulder design so a helicopter pilot had full range of motion when strapped in and needing to reach ceiling toggles along with the Raglan sleeve to alleviate the set-in sleeve flat feld seam which caused dermal friction burns under a 120-pound pack strap. They also developed the waterproof seam and the slant pocket to allow access to items under pack and restraining straps. Articulated digits in handwear and knee construction in combat pants, and I could go on and on.
This is the outcome of early training in high school as a pipeline to the university or technical institute, and then into the clothing design profession. So many professions that require specialized personal protective clothing from military to firefighting to law enforcement to oil rigs to offshore wind to linemen rely on these professionals. Cape Henlopen High School holds a unique position in Delaware as a leader in preparing our kids for a technical world. I sure hope that continues.
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