Sustainable Fashion Accessory Design
Tools and Technologies
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Adobe Illustrator
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Adobe Photoshop
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Sewing Machine and Threads
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Scraps of leftover fabric/Recycled fabric
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Sketch pad
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Sketch pencils
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Color Pencils
Sustainable Under-Shoulder Soiree Purse
Theoretical Framework and Model
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Cradle-to-Cradle Sustainable Design and Production Model (used fabrics re-entered into another product's design and production to increase their lifecycle through recycling, thus, reducing waste)
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Biomimicry in Sustainable Design (mimicking the sandbar shark structure to increase the volume despite the small size of the purse. Biomimicking the shape and structure of starfish to design 3D motifs. Use of Golden Ratio
Ideation and Concept Development
Purpose- A piece of art to carry at Spring soirees, boasting luxury, aesthetic and functionality.
Inspiration Moodboard
Color Story
Target Market
Technical Sketches/Flats
Technical Sketch/Flat on Paper with Seam and Design Detailing
Digital Technical Flat on Adobe Illustrator with Seam and Design Detailing
Technical sketch of the purse with 3D motifs, seam and design detailing
Technical sketch of the inner side of the purse with seam and zip detailing of the inner pocket
Zoomed-in technical sketch of the inner pocket with seam and zip detailing
Prototyping
Prototype 1 constructed with Paper
Paper Pattern for Prototype 1- The front/back, strap and bottom strip dimensions with stitch and seam detailing are specified on paper along with the inner zip pocket for the construction of the paper prototype mimicking the original bag in its shape and size.
Prototype 1 Constructed- Shoulder bag paper prototyping (Prototype 1) with seam, inner pocket and design detailing.
Prototype 1 Constructed- Look at the inner pocket with seam, zip and design detailing.
Prototype 2 constructed with Recycled Fabric
Fabric Pattern for Prototype 2- The front/back, strap and bottom strip dimensions with stitch and seam detailing are then specified on recycled fabric along with the inner zip pocket for the construction of the prototype using recycled fabric in a way that it mimics the original bag in its shape and size.
Prototype 2 Constructed- Shoulder bag prototype 2 constructed with recycled T-shirt cotton fabric with seam and design detailing.
Prototype 1 and 2 Consumer Testing
Overall Feedback- Looks aesthetically appealing and fashionable, perfect for a Spring soiree or summer sundowner, with adequate functionality, holding wallet, phone, keys and makeup essentials securely.
Problem- Shoulder strap a tad bit short.
Overall Feedback- Looks aesthetically appealing and fashionable, perfect for a Spring soiree or summer sundowner, with adequate functionality, holding wallet, phone, keys and makeup essentials securely.
Problem- Must be constructed with a sturdy material to maintain robust shape.
Final Construction and Sewing
Construction of Final Product
Fabric Pattern for the inner lining and inner zip pocket of the Final Prototype of
Shoulder Purse with all the dimensions, design and seam detailing.
Sewing in Progress- Outer Zip sewn to the inner lining of the Purse and dimensions of
Inner Pocket shown.
Sewing in Progress- Reinforced Bottom strip attached with pin to the bottom strip of
the Purse.
Sewing in Progress- Inner Zip Pocket and Zip sewn to the inner lining of the Purse.
Sewing in Progress- Multi-colored recycled cotton scraps to create floral patterns for
the Purse (patchwork sewn with an embroidered net lining scrap to secure it in place).
Final Product- Sustainable Under-Shoulder Soiree Purse
Women's Casual Sustainable Slip-On Sneakers
Theoretical Framework and Model
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Cradle-to-Cradle Sustainable Design and Production Model (used fabrics re-entered into another product's design and production to increase their lifecycle through recycling, thus, reducing waste)
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Sustainable Design for Substance Reduction (optimizing design through smart pattern cutting and design that utilizes minimal material to avoid waste, for instance in this case, a tom-sneaker design that doesn't requires eyestays or laces)
Ideation and Concept Development
Purpose
A casual, easy-to-wear slip-on sneaker for women to wear at any occasion with aplomb due to its superior aesthetic, convenience, comfort and functionality. Positioned in market as a masstige product.
Pricing Strategy
Premium but affordable- Masstige
Color Story
Inspired by the naturally occurring abalone shells in the ocean.
Inspiration Moodboard
Technical Flats
Technical Sketch/Flat on Paper
Technical sketch of the slip-on sneaker (top/side/back views) on paper with seam and design detailing.
Digital Technical Flat on Adobe Photoshop
Technical sketch of the slip-on sneaker (top/side/back views) on Adobe Photoshop with seam and design detailing.
Prototyping
Paper Pattern for Prototype 1
The insole, toe cap, top shell, tongue, heel support and side strip dimensions with stitch and seam detailing are specified on paper for the construction of the paper prototype mimicking the original slip-on sneaker in its shape and size.
Prototype 1
Prototype 1 constructed out of paper and glue with seam and design detailing. Notice the reinforced heel support and the tongue details.
Fabric Pattern for Prototype 2
The insole, toe cap, top shell, tongue, heel support and side strip dimensions with stitch and seam detailing are specified on recycled shirt/fabric for the construction of the fabric prototype mimicking the original slip-on sneaker in its shape and size.
Prototype 2
Prototype 2 constructed out of recycled fabric with seam and design detailing. Notice the reinforced heel support and the tongue details.
Overall look of the fabric prototype.
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Scalloped folds at the edges to add aesthetic appeal
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Reinforced heel support
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Slip-on convenience
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Chic, trendy and springy look
Consumer Testing of Prototypes 1 and 2
Overall feedback- Looks aesthetically appealing, is comfortable and convenient to put on immediately before work or a yoga class without the hassle of laces.
Problem- Side and heel support must have greater length to support the foot of the consumer.
Overall feedback- Looks aesthetically appealing and feels comfortable without the hassle of laces, perfect for a yoga class, work or a quick run to the grocery store.
Problem- Must be constructed with a sturdy material to maintain robust shape of top shell. Must also have a double lining to ensure no rough seams of sewing are visible to the wearer.
Recommendation- Using glue to attach the insole to the outsole is a messy affair. An alternative method must be employed. Midsole must be foamy with sufficient compressive strength.