Deliverables¶
MIDTERM PRESENTATION
ICYIZERE Handbag by Kwizera Ganza Eliane Josee
GANTT
The Gantt chart for the Icyizere Handbag Project outlines a structured 3-month timeline divided into six key phases: research, material experimentation, design, fabrication, documentation, and presentation. The project began in January 2025 with ideation and testing bioplastics made from tree tomato waste. By February, focus shifted to integrating the bioplastic with crochet modules and constructing the final handbag prototype. Throughout the process, documentation was consistently maintained, leading up to the final presentation in March. The chart highlights an iterative workflow with overlapping tasks, ensuring both innovation and timely delivery.
BoM bill of materials
The Bill of Materials (BoM) for the Icyizere Handbag Project lists all essential components used in the prototype, including tree tomato waste for bioplastic, natural yarn for crocheting, binding agents (like glycerin and vinegar), and finishing elements such as handles. It outlines the quantity, type, and purpose of each item, serving as a clear reference for material sourcing, cost estimation, and production planning.
Cost of materials
| ITEM | MEASUREMENT | QUANTITY | PRICE/UNIT | TOTAL PRICE | SUPPLIER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yarn | Nbr | 5 | 45,300 | 679,500 | Handspun Hope |
| Epoxy | Kgs | 5 | - | 0 | - |
| Tree tomato | Kgs | 10 | 2,000 | 20,000 | Simba Online Shopping |
| Eggs | Package | 1 | 4,500 | 4,500 | Simba Online Shopping |
| Rabbit wool | Nbr | 6 | - | 0 | - |
| Sodium Hydroxide | Bottle | 2 | 4,000 | 8,000 | - |
| Sunflower oil | Liter | 2 | 3,500 | 7,000 | Simba Online Shopping |
| Gelatin | Package | 2 | 7,000 | 14,000 | - |
| Sodium Alginate | Bottle | - | - | 0 | - |
| Corn Starch | Package | 2 | - | 0 | - |
Story telling Script
Design by Kwizera Ganza Eliane Josee
Story telling
In the heart of Rwanda’s rolling hills, where vibrant green fields ripple in the breeze and farmers rise with the sun, agriculture is more than just a livelihood — it is life itself. Rwanda’s fertile soil and temperate climate have long supported a tapestry of crops: bananas, cassava, maize, beans, and more recently, the tree tomato — a fruit that grows quietly but holds untold potential.
As a daughter of this land, I grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farming. I studied Crop Science not only to understand plants, but to discover new ways they could transform lives. What I didn’t expect was that the path from field to future would lead me to fashion.
In Rwanda, agriculture feeds not only bodies — it can also inspire creativity. One day, while examining agricultural waste from tree tomato production, a thought bloomed like a seed in my mind: what if this waste, instead of being discarded, could be reborn into something beautiful and lasting? That question gave birth to the Icyizere Handbag — a fashion item crafted from bioplastic derived from tree tomato residue, molded with care, and designed with purpose.
The connection between agriculture and fashion may seem unusual, but it is natural when you look closely. Both are industries rooted in nature. Both involve harvesting, processing, and shaping raw materials into something valuable. And in a world searching for sustainable solutions, bridging these worlds isn’t just possible — it’s necessary.
Through the Icyizere project, I am weaving Rwanda’s agricultural heritage into the fabric of modern fashion. This is not fast fashion; it is slow, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in community and sustainability. By transforming farm byproducts into wearable art, we reduce waste, create local jobs, and share Rwanda’s story with the world.
In every stitch of a handbag, there is hope — icyizere — that fashion can do more than follow trends. It can honor the earth, empower women and youth, and prove that even in the humblest seed lies the power to change everything.