LAYER & RÆBURN Unveil "SHIELD"
collaboration / April 05, 2025
A Visionary partnership focused on Resilience and Climate Action
RÆBURN is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with LAYER, the renowned design agency founded by Benjamin Hubert. The new partnership, titled SHIELD, is a radical, future-forward ensemble that underscores resilience in the face of climate change, with adaptability becoming an integral part of our daily lives.
This unique partnership will be presented as part of LAYER’s 101010 exhibition, taking place at The Project Room at 10 Corso Como, Milan, from April 7th-13th, 2025.
The exhibition marks LAYER’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates the studio’s visionary approach to design. SHIELD is a direct response to these challenges, with its innovative design and commitment to sustainability highlighting the urgent need to rethink the future of fashion.
Christopher Ræburn, the founder of RÆBURN, and Benjamin Hubert, founder of LAYER, have worked closely over the last several months to bring SHIELD to life.The partnership between the two design studios represents a powerful fusion of RÆBURN’s iconic Remade approach and LAYER’s bold, design-led perspective on tackling future challenges.
SHIELD is more than just a collection – it is a statement. With its twin-layer prototype, the garments act as a physical manifestation of survival, using innovative materials sourced from reclaimed and deadstock fabrics to build a sustainable future. The garments are designed to be both functional and conceptual, embodying resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.
The SHIELD collection includes two innovative garments and a striking bag, each carefully constructed with Responsible Design and innovation at its core. Each piece utilises materials such as deadstock parachute nylon, reclaimed down, Swedish digital camouflage and reused military hardware, aligning with the values of both RÆBURN and LAYER in challenging the traditional fashion industry and creating considered alternatives.
The SHIELD collection includes two innovative garments and a striking bag, each carefully constructed with Responsible Design and innovation at its core. Each piece utilises materials such as deadstock parachute nylon, reclaimed down, Swedish digital camouflage and reused military hardware, aligning with the values of both RÆBURN and LAYER in challenging the traditional fashion industry and creating considered alternatives.
RÆBURN x LAYER - SHIELD Cape:
The first layer of the collection focuses on durability, adaptability and weather-resistance in both hot and cold. Remade wholly from deadstock parachute nylon, recycled down and original airbrake taping, the ensemble aims to provide protection against the elements while utilising textiles that would otherwise contribute to waste.
RÆBURN x LAYER - SHIELD Jacket:
The second layer features high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Swedish Digital Camouflage, which offers both strength and flexibility, alongside reclaimed airbrake canopy tapes, underscoring the commitment to circular design and innovative reuse of materials. Functionality is further enhanced with integrated cool, hydration and articulated ventilation systems.
RÆBURN x LAYER - SHIELD Bag:
The accompanying bag echoes the same sustainability-driven ethos, made with the same materials as the cape, alongside reused military hardware, showcasing the full potential of circular design principles across fashion accessories
The design process behind SHIELD has been a close collaboration between RÆBURN and LAYER, driven by shared values of Responsible Design, circularity, and innovation. Each piece is a testament to the power of design to create change – from concept to execution. The partnership reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a more responsible future, challenging conventional notions of what is possible in fashion.
A Milestone Event – LAYER’s 10th Anniversary:
The unveiling of SHIELD at LAYER Design’s 101010 exhibition comes as part of a larger celebration of LAYER’s 10th anniversary. Alongside SHIELD, the exhibition features five other LAYER collaborations with leading global brands, each tackling the urgent challenges that will shape our future. From fashion to technology, sustainability is at the heart of these partnerships, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in design.
“This is a milestone partnership for RÆBURN,” said Christopher Ræburn, founder of RÆBURN. “SHIELD is not just clothing; it’s about systems change and making a statement that resilience, adaptability and responsible design are central to our future. It’s a great honour to be part of LAYER’s wider celebrations and I’m hopeful that the partnership will provide both a provocation and inspiration to those visiting 10 Corso Como and beyond”
Benjamin Hubert, founder of LAYER Design, added, “For LAYER’s 10th anniversary, we wanted to create a statement that represents our core values and vision for the future. SHIELD is a tangible example of how design can push boundaries and change industries for the better. We’ve been thrilled to work alongside RÆBURN on this project, combining our shared passion for cross-industry collaboration and forward-thinking design.”
SHIELD will be available for viewing at the 101010 exhibition from April 7th to April 13th, 2025, at The Project Room at 10 10 Corso Como, Milan as part of Milan Design Week — For more information on the partnership, please contact studio@raeburndesign.co.uk
Please email press@layerdesign.com to RSVP for the Milan event and for more information on 101010, to arrange interviews with Benjamin Hubert, or to receive high resolution images of the new collection.
