Red Equipment x Arts University Plymouth – Robe designed by student celebrates South West’s tidal textures

<p>The collaboration grew out of Red’s creative platform <strong>“Life’s Better by the Water”</strong>, which invited students from Arts University Plymouth to <a href="https://red-equipment.co.uk/blogs/sup-life/red-x-aup-student-designer-collaboration-evo-pro-change-robe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">design a repeat print</a> that captured the movement, energy and freedom of life spent by the coast. Based in South Devon and known worldwide for its inflatable paddleboards and technical waterside gear, Red Equipment worked directly with students on a live brief, providing industry feedback while reimagining a core product for a younger, style-led outdoor audience. </p> <p>The project also celebrated the connection between two South West institutions: Red Equipment and Arts University Plymouth, the UK’s leading arts university in Britain’s Ocean City.</p>

<p><a href="https://red-equipment.co.uk/pages/tidal-textures-limited-edition-collaboration-arts-university-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelsey’s winning design</a> was selected unanimously by Red’s design panel. Drawing on the beaches of Cornwall where she grew up, she translated the <strong>ripples, layers and shifting patterns</strong> created as tidal water moves across sand into a fluid, contemporary print in bold turquoise, deep navy and bright neon accents. </p> <p>“Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve always been inspired by the textures created by the water on beaches,” said Kelsey. “The movement of the sea has influenced the way I approach texture and layering – capturing the essence of the beach and its natural rhythms.” </p> <p>“The sea has always been part of who I am,” she added. “The textures left behind by the waves are like nature’s own artwork, and I wanted to capture that movement and rhythm in my design.” </p> <p>The final robe included exclusive touches added by Red’s product team, such as contrasting neon yellow piping, a turquoise and yellow two-way zip and an internal designer story label written by Kelsey herself, alongside all the technical features of Red’s Evo Pro Change Robe.</p>

<p>The launch of Tidal Textures came at a time when outdoor communities across the UK have increasingly turned to water for wellbeing, particularly during the darker winter months when many people experience lower energy, increased pressure and seasonal loneliness. Cold-water swimming, paddleboarding and lakeside dipping have continued to grow in popularity, offering improvements in mood and mental clarity, stress reduction, a sense of routine and community connection.</p> <p>The collaboration reflects Plymouth’s identity as <strong>Britain’s Ocean City</strong> and the wider South West’s reputation as a hub for cold-water swimming and community-led outdoor activity. With Red based in Devon and many Arts University Plymouth students living, working and studying by the coast, the project brought regional creative and waterside cultures together in a tangible way. </p>

<p>As a live brief, the project gave students the chance to respond to a real commercial challenge, designing for a younger audience of 20–25-year-old outdoor swimmers while working closely with Red’s design team. The experience helped bridge creative education with global product development and gave students insight into how ideas move from sketchbook to market. </p> <p>For Red Equipment, the collaboration represented a meeting of innovation, purpose and talent development, as well as an opportunity to celebrate its South West roots through a product created with an emerging local designer. “This project celebrates everything we stand for,” said the Red design team. “Purposeful design, local inspiration, and a deep connection to the natural world. Kelsey’s work captures the beauty and movement of the coast – brought to life on one of our most iconic pieces.” </p> <p>“This project brought together two Devon institutions – one rooted in outdoor innovation, the other in artistic excellence,” the Red team added. “It’s a celebration of local talent and our shared connection to the coastline.” </p> <p>The <strong>Tidal Textures</strong> robe was released as a strictly limited edition, available exclusively via <a href="https://red-equipment.co.uk/pages/tidal-textures-limited-edition-collaboration-arts-university-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red-equipment.co.uk</a>, marking a milestone as Red’s first printed Evo Pro Change Robe and a significant early achievement in Kelsey’s textile design career.</p>