Zel
Handbag with anti-theft mechanism · 2020 · 2 weeks
This project was born out of my determination to learn how to construct and sew. I taught myself and practiced my problem-solving skills.
My role
Solo, self production
Skills and tools:
Ideation, Research, Construction, Trims, Material sourcing, CMF, Moodboard, Trend research, Consumer research, Concept refinements, Sewing, Prototyping, Adobe Photoshop, and Photoshoot
Designed for Zuzanna.
She enjoys metropolitan settings, merging modern outfits with 70's themes.
She seeks a subtly luxurious handbag with a balanced modern and 70's look.
Prevent pickpocketing
A potential issue faced by luxury bags is pickpocketing.
However, Zel is consciously designed with security in mind.
A subtle 'luxe' bag blending 70's and 2020's styles.
Let's examine the style landscape of these two categories.
The 70’s
This era's style is marked by a mix of hippie, androgynous, naturalistic, and bohemian influences. It features flowing fringe fabrics, earthy colors, bold paisley patterns, as well as natural materials such as leather and denim.
Keywords: Leather, colorful, nature, floral, fringe, denim, and bold paisley patterns
The 2020’s Luxe
This era's higher-end style is defined by mature, neutral, and non-patterned minimalistic simple casual wear. To add a touch of chic element to complete the look, warmer colors in the spectrum of pink to orange-pink dominate the palette. It can be accented with the use of gold, used sparingly. These are often paired with materials in classic neutral colors such as nude khaki or white cotton shirts.
Keywords: mature, simple, no pattern, khaki, neutral, pink/orange & gold accents, and minimal.
Zel
The blend
Zel’s modern 70’s
Zel is the blend of two styles - the 70s and 2020's luxe, creating a modern high-end 70's look.
From the 70s, it features colorfully patterned paisley fabric for the inner surface to add visual delight when it’s being opened. There’s also the use of leather and color palettes that reflects the era. From the higher-end part of the 2020s, it displays a mature and simplistic look on the outer surface, with accents of gold, leather, studs, and structural integrity for premium durability.
These stylistic choices are perfect for Zuzana, who enjoys metropolitan settings and dresses accordingly, rocking the modern and tasteful 70s-inspired look. Zel complements her style with its simplicity, quiet luxury, and easily matchable color choices displayed on the outside.
Zel - The reveal
Modeled by Zuzana, looking stunning.
Anti-theft: Zipper is recessed into the bag to prevent unwanted access.
Smart storage: The bag can be stretched open for more storage.
Simplistic and mature on the outside to cater to anyone’s outfit colors.
Open the bag, and you will see the vibrant 70's style inside.
The making
From sourcing the materials, planning out the constructions, and sewing by the TV (as it was the only outlet in my room), I made a total of 5 prototype bags to arrive at the final design.
Prototype builds
Previous model
Final Model’s improved main-compartment design:
Expandable for more storage
Recessed zipper opening to further prevent unwanted access for theft.
