Suited for Subversion draws on Ralph Borland‘s work as an activist involved in street demonstrations in New York. Made of vinyl stuffed with polyurethane foam, the suit protects the wearer from police batons at large-scale street protests and monitors the wearer’s pulse. In the centre of the chest of the suit is a speaker to project the amplified heartbeat. It can also be used to play music and chant slogans.

As much as my suit is armour, it is also disarming; as much provocation as protection.

Suited for Subversion is part of the exhibition SAFE: Design Takes on Risk at the New York Museum of Modern Art, October 16, 2005–January 2, 2006.

Via Core77.

Also by Ralph Borland: Wearable crisis management.
Related: Pret à Révolter by Las Agencias.