Smith Optics Concept Project
“Can’t Beat Ceramic”
A modern mountain biking collection, inspired by the speed, toughness, and beauty of ceramic.
Inspiration
This project was inspired by the beauty and performance of ceramic, and ceramic art. My sister, an avid artist, is especially passionate about ceramic art. Our childhood home is filled with vases, bowls, cups, mugs, and even full size busts of various pop-culture figures. I always admired the varied colors, finishes, and other artistic choices she took on her work, and felt inspired to put those colors in my own work. However, I found it to be a surprisingly natural partner with a mountain biking collection. High performance mountain bike bearings are often ceramic, which is tougher than steel. It’s high-speed traits, combined with its unbeatable toughness, seemed to be a perfect fit for the mountain biking community. This collection of helmets, goggles, and glasses encourages three things; Speed, toughness, and to looking good while doing it.
Color Considerations
Blah Blah colors
porcelain blue
Customer Demographic
This collection set its sights on the dedicated climber who is tapped into current social media trends, climbing culture, and modern apparel design/textile choices. Taking inspiration from skate, snow, and parkour culture, the goal is to tap into this demographic hard, and not try to spread the collection or brand out too thin.
A bit more about the customers…
Millennials (between the ages of 18 and 35) accounted for 65 percent of climbers. (OIA)
52% of climbers climb indoors
58% of climbers are male, whereas 42% are female
25% of climbing purchases are shoes
Color Considerations
The color choices for this were inspired by adventurous greens, and darker mysterious browns, found in the massive plains that are now home to the Pacific Ocean.
The first Bluschist shoe, the Columbi Mocc. Named after the Columbian Mammoth that used to take shelter in the Sunset Boulders near Goat Rock, California, this shoe features a unlined leather upper with a contrasted mesh portion to increase breathability. Multiple pull tabs, elastic fasteners to keep the shoe snug, and rubber cutouts to also aid in heat venting and breathability. All of the effort in increasing breathability also increases color fastness, an issue among unlined leather climbing shoes.
The Columbi Mocc
Color Considerations
Inspired by dark caves and classic evil tones, this shoe is meant to look at home in caves, just as the climber who dons it.
The flagship shoe for the collection, The Aggroat VC. Combining its “agressive“ nature, with “Goat Rock”, a nearby outcrop near the Sunset Boulders formation, this shoe is ready for any project. With a Vibram XS Grip 2 outsole and massive. toe cap, it can stick to even the glassiest of footholds. And with stitched reinforcements along the leather, it prevents excess stretch. A subtle stitched “oosh“ phonetic symbol on the elastic portion of the upper ties the whole shoe together, showing everyone at the crag you have one of the meanest shoes in the game.
The Aggroat VC
Color Considerations
Inspired by dark caves and classic evil tones, this shoe is meant to look at home in caves, just as the climber who dons it.
These pants were designed with movement in mind. A deep crotch and a roomy fit allow for complete freedom of movement. Large pockets accentuate the roomy fit, while thick belt loops keep the pants fastened just below your harness’s waist belt.
Mantle Pants
Color Considerations
Two colorways, inspired both by the colors and mood of the Northern California Coast. Mild greens and blues, highlighting the contrast between hills and sky. Tans reminiscent of sand and dirt finish off the shoes.
This is the peak of approach shoe evolution. Quick fastening/loosening BOA dials allow for instant tightness, without fussing with laces. BOA was also chosen for its servicability and warranty, whereas lacea are known to wear out quickly. A higher rubber wall is better for deep scree and light jamming, and a reinforced toe cap protects the forefoot. Two large pull tabs on the back allow for better grip when tired hands have to pull the shoe back on. A tide-inspired texture on the midsole also aids in durability.
