While aboard an airplane jettisoning to a medical school interview, Lizzie Cochran read an article about epidemiology. Featured in the article were images of dangerous viruses that were known to spread rapidly throughout communities. The images intrigued her and sparked a curious idea: what if epidemiology and science merged with the arts? With the determination to use art and fashion design to bring awareness to the challenges facing world-wide healthcare organizations, Cochran founded Epidemia Designs.
The Epidemia Designs team uses images of viruses and biological cells to create brightly colored geometric prints. The lively designs and color palettes make the line approachable for every fashionista. “What better way to use fitness and celebrate the beauty of the human body than by having actual images of different aspects of the body represented on your workout clothes,” said Cochran.
Initially, Cochran focused on yoga pants as a design template. Not only did she noticed that yoga pants were a mainstay in her daily wardrobe, she observed that most trendy athletic wear boasted brightly colored prints. Cochran applied her observations to Epidemia Designs, and has expanded the line to include sports bras, iPhone cases, journals, scarves and bags embossed with unique, virus-inspired patterns.
Lizzie Cochran and Co-founder Taylor Newby want to share their passion for science and how it improves our quality of life. Newby encourages a dialogue about the sciences between Epidemia Designs and young women. “We want to bring science out of the labs and into the streets, into schools and communities,” says Newby.
Epidemia Designs Launches Kickstarter Campaign
Currently, Epidemia Designs is seeking supporters of their cause through a Kickstarter campaign. Cochran and Newby plan to raise $15,000 by April 28, 2015. The funds will be used to increase production efforts and to continue designing quality products. 15% of all Epidemia Designs’ profits will be used to fund medical research projects that focus on disease prevention and improved medical care worldwide.
If the goal is met, Epidemia Designs will launch an inaugural line called “She’s Got It” which will feature images of brain, nerve, heart, and epithelial (stomach) cells to celebrate the beauty of a woman’s body.
To learn more about Epidemia Designs’ “Fashion Gone Viral” campaign and how to show your support through Kickstarter, visit their Kickstarter page. Rewards for their backers range from $25 for a journal featuring an Epidemia print, $50 for an iPhone case and $75 for their first production of athletic wear leggings.
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