Addison Leif
BFA in Product Design, 2025
Capstone Project: Ubaye Waders
I’m Addy Leif! A product designer focused on technical soft goods for the outdoors. I’ve always been drawn to the mountains and the gear that helps us move through them. My work is driven by function, but I care just as much about how gear feels, fits, and reflects the person using it. I sketch, sew, test, and refine, designing with curiosity and a deep respect for the environments we move through. I’m especially interested in how design can support movement, enhance experience, and bring a sense of personality to performance gear.
This project reimagines women’s fly fishing waders as a tool for both performance and self-expression. Traditionally bulky and masculine, waders often overlook the specific needs of women on the river. My design challenges that by combing technical functionality, like easy bathroom access and a better anatomical fit, with a more expressive silhouette that feels bold and intentional. I wanted to create a piece that empowers women to feel confident, capable, and seen in outdoor spaces that haven’t always made room for them. These waders are not just gear, but they’re a reflection of identity, movement, and belonging in nature.
