concept¶

THE THREADS OF HERITAGE¶

During my time in Fabricademy, I have gained expertise and hands-on experience in fabricating and innovating various elements related to textile design, which I have utilized to create these designs. While I have received valuable support and advice from mentors and specialists along the way, this project is entirely my own and showcases my unique creative and technical perspective as a designer.

ABOUT THIS PROJECT¶

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"Threads of Heritage" is a project that breathes new life into Rwandan cultural traditions, specifically honoring the strength and resourcefulness of women. Inspired by the 'igisabo,' a traditional gourd symbolizing versatility and strength, this project creates a modern, handcrafted bag using repurposed leather and natural onion dyes. By bringing back traditional techniques and sustainable practices, "Threads of Heritage" not only preserves cultural heritage but also empowers women, celebrating their historical roles as craftswomen and protectors of vital knowledge. This project aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a tangible symbol of Rwandan resilience and a tribute to the cleverness of women worldwide, while promoting sustainable practices that respect our environment. The leather is sourced from local slaughterhouses, giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded, thus reducing waste."

MOODBOARD¶

my moodboard

the main inspiration¶

In my design process, I found significant inspiration in the work of Akire, a contemporary African designer known for their innovative molded designs. Akire's ability to seamlessly blend traditional African aesthetics with modern techniques resonated deeply with me, particularly their use of bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and sustainable materials. Their approach to creating functional yet artistic pieces, rooted in cultural identity while embracing global appeal, encouraged me to explore how I could incorporate similar elements of heritage and innovation into my own work. Akire's commitment to sustainability and their unique fusion of form and function have profoundly influenced my design philosophy, pushing me to think more intentionally about the materials I use and the stories I want my designs to tell.

usefull link: Akire-sucess story of kenyan luxury bags

THE SKETCHES¶

Here are my hand-drawn sketches of the bags I want to make. The first one has the shape of a full igisabo, and the second one is shaped like the top opener of an igisabo. Both bags feature tie-dye patterns with a bullseye design, inspired by the concentric circles found in Imigongo art. They also have a side zipper for opening and cross strings at the bottom for handles. The bags will have a brown patterned color, and the lining will be made of African print fabric.

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