In order to protect the homeless in Dutch cities against extreme weather conditions, fashion designer Bas Timmer created the Shelter Suit, a warm coat that doubles as a sleeping bag.

Timmer, who made name with his highly graphic sweaters, decided to adapt his craft to helping the homeless when his best friend’s homeless father lost his life on the street. “We simply can’t let people die that way.” He designed a colorful coat that allows itself to be attached to a sleeping bag. Both parts are made from water-repellent, fire- and wind-proof material to make sleeping outside a little more bearable. “The same material is also used by the Russian army”, says the designer.

A special charity organization was set up in order to distribute the Shelter Suits among the Dutch homeless. This year Timmer expects to give hundred pieces away, for next year he’s aiming at one thousand. According to the designer the Shelter Suit project currently takes around 30 hours of his time per week — quite a lot if you take into account that he’s doing it from his heart. The materials that he uses for the Shelter Suits are donated by various Dutch companies. The sleeping bags, for instance, came from travel gear brand Nomad.

Want to hear and see more about this project? Bas Timmer will be giving a presentation during the 32nd edition of PechaKucha Amsterdam on Wednesday 22 April at club/restaurant Radion.