Carhartt doesn't sell a new tool bra and underwear set. Instead, this is the work of Nicole McLaughlin, a Brooklyn-based designer who makes clothes out of upcycled streetwear and everyday products.
Nicole McLaughlin
After starting on the project as a hobby, McLaughlin now partners with brands to use their excess samples and inventory to make creative one-off pieces.
Nicole McLaughlin
McLaughlin has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
Nicole McLaughlin
Not all of her designs are practical, but they reimagine the things we wear, use, or eat with a tongue-in-cheek approach.
Nicole McLaughlin
McLaughlin doesn't sell her designs, and most of them are ephemeral: assembled for one social media post, then disassembled and upcycled again.
Nicole McLaughlin
"I get really mad when you buy something and it has no pockets, or it has those fake pockets," McLaughlin commented. "Every woman needs pockets to carry their stuff...I'm putting pockets on everything now, including bras."
Nicole McLaughlin
McLaughlin noted that Carhartt collaborations are usually a hit. "Anytime I work with Carhartt people really like it," she said. "It's just really relatable."
Nicole McLaughlin
A hydrating jacket made from Camelbak reservoirs.
Nicole McLaughlin
One of McLaughlin's early projects that garnered attention was footwear made of tennis balls. "It checked a bunch of boxes. It was comfortable, the colors were nice, it was wearable and durable," she said.
Nicole McLaughlin
The "brassant" was a social media hit.
Nicole McLaughlin
McLaughlin has made utility pants out of just about everything.
Nicole McLaughlin
Her Purell specs were made during the pandemic -- but are not actually recommended for use.
Nicole McLaughlin
Please ask before you take a wipe from the Dove wipe-dispensing bra.
