Description:

The idea for MLV was born from many expeditions out on the boat with the Whānau. Many seasick-filled hours wearing an uncomfortable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), feeling uncomfortable, and just wanting to take the PFD off.

Combining this with a background and love for fashion design, I felt that MLV represented an amazing opportunity to develop my fashion and design skills within the industrial design context. Whether through complacency or discomfort, too many New Zealanders choose not to wear lifejackets when they should. As someone who experienced this firsthand on the water with my own family, I saw both a problem and a purpose.

MLV: My Life Vest is an adaptable, stylish, comfortable and most importantly, safe PFD (personal flotation device) solution which brings together comfort and aesthetics. MVL challenges assumptions as a sleek, fashion-forward, ergonomically smart device that delivers safety without sacrificing style. MLV is more than a product; it’s a new way of thinking about marine safety.

Current PFD’s often prioritise function over user experience, resulting in gear that is uncomfortable, visually unappealing, and easy to disregard. The importance of this issue became even more apparent. New Zealand’s high rate of recreational water use is paired with a deeply ingrained “she’ll be right” attitude, often leading to risky decision-making.

My approach began by looking at the current market, comparing PFDs across different price ranges and user types. Consistently, I noticed that comfort and design were sacrificed for cost or utility. Through conversations with industry insiders, I identified key features that worked well and others that fell short. The recurring theme was: discomfort, lack of adaptability, and a lack of personal connection to the product.

The design goal was to blend function and fashion—to create a product that didn’t just perform well, but looked and felt right.
Through material research and pattern-making experimentation, I developed a shape that adapts naturally to the body, improving fit and mobility. Making the lifejacket feel like an extension of the boat—a piece of gear you wouldn't want to take off, not just for safety, but because it felt good to wear.
I redesigned the inflation system, ensuring that users would be able to operate it under stress without compromising comfort. I paid attention to how the user would interact with the product, as everyday wear.

The final design of MLV brought all of these elements together. Beyond the mechanics, I carefully curated the aesthetic experience, creating a strong visual identity through bold colourways and a distinct logo that set the product apart. The visual design was just as intentional as the physical form: it needed to command attention and respect, to speak both safety and individuality. I wanted MLV to be a PFD that users felt proud to wear, not ashamed to hide.

What emerged was a lifejacket that challenges assumptions—a sleek, fashion-forward, ergonomically smart device that delivers safety without sacrificing style. It represents the idea that protective gear can be beautiful, intuitive, and even aspirational.