Discover the Tough Turban - an impact-resistant Turban for Sikh motorcyclists

The Central Saint Martins Materials & Products Collection is delighted to showcase the brilliant 'ToughTurban' - an impact-resistant Turban for Sikh motorcyclists.

Inspired by the recent Canadian helmet law exemption for Sikh motorcyclists, Pfaff-Harley Davidson and creative agency Zulu Alpha Kilo worked on an innovative materials design. The Tough Turban combines a range of contemporary materials to create an incredibly practical, modern-day protective helmet in the likeness and spirit of a real Turban.

The materials

Working with a Sikh consultant and drawing on the history of Sikh warriors who wore chainmail under their Turbans, the designers created several combined layers to create the helmet, which can still be wrapped like a traditional Turban:

• a layer of non-Newtonian foam which starts off soft and flexible but stiffens on impact
• a plastic 3D-printed chainmail-like flexible matrixa layer of Dyneem
• a composite fabric, used in bullet-proof clothing, to create the Turban appearance

Where can I see it?

All UAL staff and students are welcome to visit the Materials & Products Collection on the second floor of the CSM Library to see samples of all the amazing design materials on display, along with a finished, beautiful, Tough Turban. You can also watch Tough Turban's 2-minute video on their design process and hear the thoughts of real Tough Turban-users. We think their 'Protect Who You Are' slogan perfectly sums up the Tough Turban - keeping and celebrating the Sikh identity while protecting yourself as a motorcyclist.

Collaborate with Tough Turban

As an open source design, Pfaff-Harley Davidson will collaborate with any manufacturer around the world who wants to join them in creating a Tough Turban for riders in their region. Just head to toughturban.com to download the designs.

Turbans and Tales by Amit and Naroop

Complementing the story of Tough Turban in our display is another lovely item from the UAL Library's book collection - Turbans and Tales by Amit and Naroop. The book chronicles the Sikh Project - award-winning photography created over 4 years. Amit and Naroop photographed boxers, army captains, doctors, bikers, fashion stylists, musicians, temple volunteers, magicians and Sikhs from a host of other occupations with inspiring stories to tell, as well as a unique approach to wearing their traditional articles of faith. You can request to view this book by visiting the CSM Library Information Desk, or reserve it for when the display is over by logging into your library account and searching for the title.