New Page | Designer Body Armor

About Us

The co-founder of the brand was Doo Kalmanson Aquino, a fashion designer; Phillip Cabrales Kalmanson, a physicist, also co-founded the company. Together they created a brand of wearable tech focused on what they believe matters most: "TO SAVE LIVES".

The idea was to develop high end ready to wear concealable protective apparel enhanced with the elements that translate to being body armor without being so bulky. One of the main challenges of designing lies in the technical limitations of incorporating into a an ordinary garment. is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique.

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Garment Process in Design Collections

The process of making a sample prototype garment involves several iterative steps refining the fit, construction, and functionality before production;

*Design & Tech Pack Creation:design concept, technical sketches, and a comprehensive tech pack (a blueprint with measurements, materials, construction notes, and illustrations).

* Pattern Making: A pattern BLOCK has been develop then translates the 2D design specifications from the tech pack into functional, individual paper or digital patterns for each garment component.

* Material Sourcing:We select and source the appropriate fabrics and trims. For initial prototypes, similar but less expensive fabrics (like muslin) might be used.

* Sample Construction: The fabric is cut according to the patterns and then assembled by our skilled sample sewers using industrial machines.

* Fitting and Evaluation: We assessed the prototype on a dress form or a fit model to check the drape, fit, comfort, and overall aesthetics.

Proper Assembly & Layering Sequence

To correctly assemble and wear multiple layers of body armor—such as soft armor, a carrier shell, and an outer shell—the proper layering sequence must be prioritized to ensure a correct, semi-fitted result. This fit is necessary to balance the design, style, functionality, comfort, and proper protection of the gear.

The steps for the proper assembly and layering sequence in the context of personal protection (such as soft body armor using materials like "GOLD FLEX" and a "carrier shell") are as follows:

Selecting proper protection such as GOLD FLEX: This is the foundational step, focusing on identifying the correct protective materials and levels required for the specific application.
Choosing a premium quality carrier shell: Once the protective material is selected, it is then housed in a durable and high-quality carrier or vest to ensure it stays in place and functions correctly.
Adapting the design style to the user: The final step involves ensuring the final product is a good fit for the user and is comfortable to wear.

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Gold Flex -Non Planar Tested

"Gold Flex - Non-Planar "has been tested for its performance and durability. This testing involved applications that incorporate complex, curved, or flexible designs, achieved by adding darts to its surfaces.When an object strikes this material, a "web" of its clusters absorb the impact and minimizes penetration.

"Shape is created within each of the 23 front panel layers using a dart (a stitch that joins material together) that conforms the material to a three-dimensional form.

Carrier Shell features:

* Premium Quality Fabric Outer Shell

* Front Button Closure

* Premium Quality Fabric

* Zipper Closure Inner Opening

* Ballistic Insert- from Honeywell-MODULAR

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NIJ Ballistic Ammunition Comparison Chart

The following chart outlines the standard ammunition used for testing ballistic fabrics according to the recent NIJ standards. ( HG1-Handgun/ HG2-Handgun)

Ballistic fabrics are tested against specific types of ammunition defined by standardized charts from organizations like the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). These standards, most recently updated in the NIJ Standard 0101.07 (and referenced in NIJ Standard 0123.00), categorize protection levels based on the specific caliber, bullet type, and velocity of the test rounds

* The Specification provided is for reference only

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3D in Muslin -How it's Made

How It's Made (Draping Process)

The "3D garment in muslin" is created using;

Preparation: Inexpensive muslin fabric that has a similar weight and drape to the final intended fabric is chosen and prepped.
Shaping: Darts, tucks, pleats, and other shaping techniques are pinned in place to conform the two-dimensional fabric to the three-dimensional body shape.
Marking and Transfer: Once satisfied with the fit and style, all design lines, seam lines, and balance points are marked with a pencil or tracing wheel while the muslin is still on the form.
Pattern Creation: The markings are traced to create a reusable, true two-dimensional paper pattern, which can then be used to cut the final garment fabric. This method involves manipulating and pinning inexpensive muslin fabric directly onto a three-dimensional dress form (mannequin) and is essential for evaluating and visualizing the design, testing the fit, and perfecting the silhouette before cutting into the final, more expensive fabric.

Fabrication is Seasonal

How—we bring the materials, techniques, technologies and design to life;

* EXECUTION: we process by translating a design concept into a tangible form, making critical decisions about how something will be made and function in the real world

* CONSTRAINTS & POSSIBILITIES: We choose specific materials, techniques, and technologies available that define both the limitations and opportunities for the design. With a firm understanding of these elements, we ensure the product can be made effectively and efficiently.

* FUNCTIONALITY & EXPERIENCE: We select the best materials and manufacturing processes. This heavily influences a product's functionality, durability, aesthetics, usability, and the overall sensory experience it provides to the user.

* CONTEXT: we understand the manufacturing process, sourcing, and the environment in which the product will be used or produced, connecting the design to its practical context

Purpose of Testing Prototypes

Shooting a prototype sample at a shooting range is essentials common practice for testing, data gathering, and design validation in firearm development, and engineering.

Purpose of Testing Prototypes

Performance Validation: it involves applying range tests to ascertain whether the new design—such as a different trigger mechanism, barrel, or projectile type—performs as intended."
Safety Checks: are vital because early prototypes can exhibit unforeseen and potentially dangerous issues related to elements like stitching threads or material-weaving methods
Data Collection: during test firing involves taking meticulous notes on construction and performance, ultimately assisting in the design's refinement
Meticulous notes and data; on construction and performance are collected during test firing, which helps in further refinement of the design.
Proof of Concept: For entirely new or unusual designs, a "sample" is verify if the material physically holds together during the required stress test without losing its integrity
Competitive Comparison: Prototypes developed as entries in design trials are tested, and comparative testing against current standards is necessary to assess performance and determine a replacement for existing, flawed designs

Featured Work

We’re already preparing for another thrilling New York Fashion Week this September, once again partnering with Planet Fashion TV for an exclusive VIP event at the Walker Hotel Tribeca.

Business Info

This is the space to introduce the business and what it has to offer. Define the qualities and values that make it unique.

Location

745 5th. Avenue STE 500

New York, N.Y. 10151

Hours

Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday CLOSED

Sunday CLOSED