Hot air balloons usually fly for about 400 hours before they are tested again for safety with a strict standard 13.5 kg tensile test – and are simply disposed of if they don't pass.

When a hot air balloon can't fly anymore, owners tend to keep them stored in warehouses for ages because there is a strict rule for disposal. The expensive hassle of first cutting down 1000 sq.m of material to small pieces before they can be disposed means it's easier to let them pile up in storage collecting dust.

We give hot air balloons another life as super strong, yet super light clothing with 80s style aerial advertising inspired design.

It's not an easy game.
Hot air balloons are a massive 1000 sq m and yet they can fly
away with a gentle breeze.
This means that the materials can't be cut by just one person.
And that's just the beginning of the long process.

Next is the actual sewing phase - but there is another problem..
The fabric has a specific water proof coating that makes it difficult to print on.
We solved this by putting magic patches that match the fabric.
Then, finally, the craftsmen can start sewing.

Different to standard fabric, the balloon fabric has pretty random sizes which means even cutting it as a pattern takes ages as it has to be cut one at a time.