All Inclusive Sarajevo
Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzogovina, 25-29 May 2009
Team Centre for Self-Reliance
Team leader: Matthew Harrison (Studiohead)
Regional leader: Snezana Skoko
This team set out to create a sustainable design-centred business model for a skilled leather craftsman, that utilises and promotes a network of craft skills though the Centre for Self-Reliance. The commercial intention was not to create a model that relies on increasing bag production, but instead increases the retail value and profit from each bag.
Using the high-quality leather work of Damir Huseinovic in combination with a variety of embroidered or silk fabrics created by other members of the centre, the team developed a design template for a customisable bag that allows each one produced to be unique and treasured.
The design is for a simple ladies two-pocket shoulder bag with detachable straps. The bag can be adapted so that the exterior surface can be either simple, durable leather, or individual and vibrant hand-painted silk.
The straps can be attached to the bag in a variety of combinations, to provide comfort for as many people and situations as possible. The design allows for single or double shoulder strap support, expansion and contraction of the bag and back-pack style wearing with storage for an umbrella or scarf at its base.
