01 ICYIZERE Handbag
Research, Ideation & Inspiration
This project began with a deep interest in how traditional textile craftsmanship—especially crochet and knitting—can be reimagined through the lens of sustainability and innovation. My research focused on the growing impact of fast fashion and the environmental damage caused by synthetic fibers and industrial textile waste. I explored biomaterials, such as tree tomato waste-based bioplastics, and studied circular fashion principles, which emphasize waste reduction, reuse, biodegradability, and modular design. Through my training in Fabricademy, I also gained access to digital fabrication tools, open-source design platforms, and international case studies showing how fashion, science, and technology can come together to solve pressing ecological challenges.
The ideation of this project centers on transforming Rwanda’s agricultural waste and textile heritage into new, regenerative fashion practices. I envisioned creating modular garments and biodegradable accessories that could reduce environmental impact while maintaining beauty, functionality, and cultural identity. At the same time, I wanted to build a model for community empowerment, training women and youth in these techniques so they can access new income streams and become part of a greener, more inclusive fashion economy.
My inspiration comes from my childhood love for fashion, my entrepreneurial journey with
,and Rwanda’s larger national vision for sustainability and local innovation. Artists and designers working with bio-textiles, such as Suzanne Lee’s Biocouture and the work of Changshu Guosheng Knitting Machinery in automated knitwear, also influenced my thinking. Ultimately, this project is inspired by the possibility of a fashion industry that heals the planet, honors tradition, and empowers people—one stitch, one material, and one idea at a time.The 5'Ws
1. WHO
This project is dedicated to myself, as a Rwandan entrepreneur seeking to blend traditional textile craftsmanship with modern, sustainable innovations. It is a personal journey of growth, creativity, and purpose—exploring how eco-friendly materials can transform crochet and knitting into meaningful, lasting fashion. But more importantly, it is for women and youth—especially those with limited opportunities—who are eager to learn new skills, express their creativity, and access dignified employment. Through Unique Crochet Ltd, I aim to empower these individuals, including people with disabilities, by offering hands-on training and opportunities in sustainable textile work. This project is also for the broader community of makers, designers, and changemakers who believe in building a more responsible and inclusive fashion future.
You can explore more of my crochet creations on my Instagram here:
2.WHAT
The project is an innovative exploration of sustainable fashion that combines traditional crochet craftsmanship with biomaterials to create eco-friendly, modular accessories. At its core is the Icyizere Handbag, a biodegradable handbag made by integrating tree tomato bioplastic with hand-crocheted yarn. This project reflects a fusion of cultural heritage and modern sustainability practices, aiming to develop alternatives to synthetic materials while highlighting the beauty and durability of handmade fashion. It also serves as a model for circular design, where products are made to be reused, repaired, and responsibly disposed of, minimizing waste and environmental harm.
Icyizere handbag project by Kwizera Ganza Eliane Josee
3.WHEN
This project began in 2024 as part of my participation in the Fabricademy program, an intensive Three-month journey focused on textiles, digital fabrication, and sustainable design. It has developed progressively through weekly modules, starting with research and concept development, then moving into hands-on experimentation with biomaterials, digital tools, and modular design techniques. The final project, including the creation of the Icyizere Handbag, is being completed in 2025, marking the culmination of months of learning, prototyping, collaboration, and refinement.
4.WHY
I am doing this project because I believe fashion and textiles should be both beautiful and sustainable. The world is increasingly turning toward eco-friendly, circular fashion, and I want to contribute to that transformation. As the founder of Unique Crochet Ltd, I have witnessed the positive impact of handcrafted textiles, which not only create jobs but also empower communities and help preserve traditional skills. However, the industry remains heavily dependent on synthetic fibers and unsustainable methods. By integrating biomaterials, digital fabrication, and modular design, I aim to offer innovative, sustainable solutions that reduce waste and environmental harm.
Additionally, I am driven by a passion to empower women and youth. Many young people in Rwanda face unemployment, and by providing training in Crochet, knitting, and bio-textile development, I am giving them the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and generate their own income. This project is about more than just fashion; it’s about economic empowerment, creativity, and self-sufficiency.
I am also dedicated to showcasing Made-in-Rwanda innovation. While Rwanda is known for its commitment to sustainability, the fashion industry still relies on imported materials. By developing local biomaterials like tree tomato-based bioplastic, I aim to demonstrate that Rwanda can be a leader in sustainable textile production.
Finally, I am motivated by the belief that the future of textiles lies in responsible innovation**. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and biomaterials opens endless possibilities for fashion that is modular, biodegradable, and zero-waste. Through Fabricademy, I am learning cutting-edge techniques that allow me to blend craftsmanship with technology, ensuring that my designs are beautiful, regenerative, and forward-thinking.
This is my mission: to create a future where fashion respects both people and the planet.
5.HOW
To successfully carry out this project, begin by combining traditional craftsmanship—like crochet and knitting—with innovative biomaterials. First, focus on sourcing sustainable materials such as tree tomato-based bioplastics and natural fibers. Then, experiment with these materials in your designs, using digital fabrication tools to create modular, zero-waste garments that are both eco-friendly and functional. Next, train women and youth, particularly those in underserved communities, by providing them with hands-on experience in crochet, knitting, and bio-textile development. Establish collaborations with Fabricademy and other sustainable fashion networks to stay updated on the latest biomaterial innovations and digital textile techniques. Finally, create a system where designs are regenerative and modular, ensuring that the fashion you produce is not only beautiful and unique but also part of a circular, sustainable fashion ecosystem. Through continual learning, research, and community involvement, this project can grow into a scalable model for sustainable textile production.
6.WHERE
This project is rooted in Rwanda, where I lead product development at Unique Crochet Ltd, a Made-in-Rwanda business focused on crochet, knitting, and bio-textile innovation. My primary workspace is a blend of my home studio, where I explore new crochet techniques and experiment with biomaterials, and the Fabricademy lab, where I access digital fabrication tools to develop sustainable textile solutions. Beyond these spaces, the project extends into communities across Rwanda, where I plan to train women and youth in bio-based textile skills. I also collaborate with higher education institutions, maker spaces, and business incubators, engaging in research, knowledge-sharing, and the advancement of sustainable fashion rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
Where do the materials come from?¶
The materials used in this project are primarily sourced locally in Rwanda, with a focus on natural, biodegradable, and sustainable resources. For the bioplastic components—like those used in the Icyizere Handbag—I use agricultural waste such as tree tomato peels, which are collected from local markets and farms. The yarns and threads used in crochet and knitting are also selected for their natural fiber content, often sourced from local suppliers to support the Rwandan economy and reduce environmental impact. Additional materials, such as natural dyes and additives for biomaterial development, are either made in the lab or sourced from regional markets whenever possible, aligning with the project's commitment to eco-friendly, locally grounded production.