Proto, Transnomadica collaborate to launch innovative collection

New York footwear collective Proto has partnered with global research and curation studio Transnomadica, led by Italian designer Maurizio Donadi, to create a new clothing collection using reworked textiles. Donadi, known for his upcycled denim brand Atelier & Repairs, has a long history of promoting circular fashion.

The collection, named Proto x Transnomadica, showcases 26 one-of-a-kind chore coats, a style originating from 19th-century France and historically made from heavyweight cotton drill or moleskin fabric. The capsule includes the Boro jacket, inspired by the Japanese concept of boroboro, which means “something tattered or repaired.” This involves reworking and repairing textiles through patchwork and restitching to extend their lifespan.

The jackets in the collection feature patchwork pockets and vintage fabric accents collected and repurposed by Transnomadica. The artisans took up to 10 hours to construct each piece, carefully selecting and cutting textiles, adding unique details, and incorporating hand-stitched motifs.

The collection also highlights the binding design concept, where a strip of fabric is added to conceal raw edges and imperfections, reducing fraying. Japanese vintage fabrics in various patterns were combined and sewn onto jacket hems, collars, and cuffs. Colorblocking was also incorporated, with jacket pockets removed and reapplied using vintage fabrics in solid colors, giving a vibrant appearance. All pieces in the collection underwent a tumble wash for a softer texture and a sun-lightened look.

Collaborating with the 5PCS Atelier, five of the chore jackets were finished, featuring Asemic writing, a blend of text and imagery. Each jacket also has a unique red button detail, either on the inside or outside. The Proto x Transnomadica chore coat collection is available on Proto’s e-commerce site for $260-$320.