Apprentice Project for Fall 2022 - I was inspired by the idea of connections and how each person has ties to different places, cultures and people that form their unique identity.
I was born in Chile, quickly moved to Venezuela and I was 8 years old when my family moved all the way to Russia. After two years there we moved to Miami, Florida and stayed there until I moved to NYC for college and now work.
Like many others who live in NYC, my experiences and connections to these places has informed my identity and design process.
After gathering many images, I chose these four because they represent the idea of connections while using vibrant colors that feel cozy and fun. For my color palette, I wanted to have a selection of more neutral colors that enhance the beauty the leathers. In some of the younger silhouettes as well as the shearling platforms, I added pops of color to add elements of fun to this collection.
I began my design process by researching visual ways of representing this idea of connections. I then began sketching many bags until I created this assortment that informed my final collection.
For my final collection I designed these three bags. I wanted my collection to embody the modular path many experience. These bags are meant to represent an ever evolving identity as you can add, remove or mismatch elements. I chose to represent connections through modularity, versatility, hardware. Each bag has a detachable mini bag that can be worn together or separately.
The first bag is a large carryall bag that can be used for traveling or as a work bag. It fits a laptop and all your daily essentials. Attached to the front is a crossbody bag that comes with a large O chain. This smaller crossbody is great for when you want to leave the large bag behind and take what you need.
This second bag is an every day bag that can be used for all activities. This larger hobo bag holds a smaller evening bag that sits comfortably inside. The smaller bag has a large C hardware piece that functions as branding as well as flips up to create a handle.
The last bag is designed for a younger customer. It is made up of two smaller shoulder bags that stack together and can be worn separately if needed. The larger bag has piping that goes around the edge to create the petal shape of the gusset. The smaller bag at the front has continuous binding that mimics the same gusset shape as the larger bag and connects to the O ring.
These glovetanned leather colorways were inspired by the Iconic Bonnie Cashin colors.
This platform is inspired by the MTA map. When thinking about visual connections, I immediately thought of this map as it allows people to travel across the city through connecting subway lines. I felt that this iconic representation of New York could be relatable to many due to its fun colors and is very personal to Coach.
For the final platform I chose shearling. Shearling gives the bags a cozy and chic look that is perfect for fall.
