Identity area
Reference code
2019.109.Front
Title
Vollebak Graphene Jacket
Date(s)
- 2019 (Creation)
Level of description
Piece
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
(2015-)
Administrative history
Vollebak is a London-based technical outerwear and sportswear brand founded in 2015 by twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball (b. 1979). They previously worked together in advertising as an art director and copywriter team. This experience has informed the brand’s emphasis on single product launches rather than collections, and garments designed with specific functions or material properties. Designs have included the world’s first graphene jacket, a carbon fibre T-shirt, a solar-charged jacket that stores and re-emits light, a 100-year hoodie and a full metal jacket woven from over 11 kilometres of copper yarn. Time magazine named Vollebak’s solar-charged jacket one of the best inventions of 2018 and their full metal jacket one of the best inventions of 2020. In 2019 Satish Tailor (b. 1972) was appointed head of design, and in 2022 Vollebak received an undisclosed amount from the BFC Venrex Fashion Fund.
Sources: Wired UK.
Sources: Wired UK.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fully reversible jacket with two-way waterproof zip closure at centre front. All panels are laser-cut, bonded and then the seams are sealed. The jacket has two laser-cut reversible front pockets and a peaked hood with elasticated drawcord hem edge. There is an adjustable drawcord at the waist and the sleeve shape has been designed with extra underarm panelling for articulation and there are welded eyelets under the arms. The cuffs are laser-cut and bonded. Taped seams. Size M.
Country of Manufacture Fabric: Italy
Country of Manufacture Jacket: Portugal
Country of Manufacture Fabric: Italy
Country of Manufacture Jacket: Portugal
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Materials:
Side A - graphene and polyurethane membrane
Side B - 85% nylon, 15% elastane
Weight: 370g
Side A - graphene and polyurethane membrane
Side B - 85% nylon, 15% elastane
Weight: 370g
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Invisible Men exhibition label:
GRAPHENE JACKET
Vollebak
2019
Discovered in 2004, graphene is the lightest, strongest, most conductive material ever found and is only a single atom thick. It has incredible heat-absorbing properties, can conduct electricity, repel bacteria, and dissipate the body’s excess humidity. Made by Vollebak, this is the world’s first jacket made from the notoriously difficult-to-manufacture material.
Graphene, polyurethane, nylon, elastane
Archive no. 2019.109
Note
Technical characteristics: Fabric is heat conductive and heat retaining. Waterproof to 10,000mm. Breathability rating: RET 12 (very breathable). Graphene membrane is bacteriostatic, anti-static, certified non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Windproof. Four way stretch to the fabric.
Note
Jacket from second release in June 2019. The first release by Volleback in August 2018 sold out.