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Keyword

Speedo LZR Racer ‘UPcycle’ student collaboration

Start Date 17 October 2011
End Date 27 February 2012
Venue Powerhouse Museum
Location Sydney, Australia
Curator Glynis Jones
Designer Malcolm McKernan

The Speedo LZR RACER worn by swimmers at the 2008 Olympic Games was the most technologically advanced performance swimsuit ever produced. With its ultra lightweight woven nylon elastane fabric, ultra thin low drag panels, and ultrasonically welded seams it delivered the optimum streamlined shape. 

Due to FINA‟s changes in rules for competition swimsuits in 2010 the LZR RACER has been banned. Rather than discard the obsolete suits Speedo Australia invited fashion students at Macquarie Fields TAFE to UPcycle the swimsuits and their zip fabric packaging, transforming them into designer garments.