10% OFF

Sign Up To Enjoy 10% OFF When You Spend £10 Or More Use Code LOVE

+ Spend £55 Or More For FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Stay Connected For Latest Exclusive Offers! 

No Thanks

I first considered using LED materials to line a bag whilst I was researching new materials and studying product design in Liverpool in 2011.  A few years later, the idea was still firmly in my mind – and I did a Masters in Product Design specifically to research the potential of using these illuminating materials, and how they could be incorporated into handbag designs.

This study also helped me gain a better understanding of the handbag industry, and the processes involved in material and product manufacturing. With a strong focus on new materials, I was interested in finding a better alternative for the exterior of my bags – as opposed to the environmentally destructive – and cruel – option of using animal skins. I was on a quest to design a handbag that’s better, inside and out!

My design process began with collecting visual research and making mood boards to inspire my exploration of form, and inform what I wanted my bags to look like.  Similarly, my research into new materials, their usability and their production processes inspired the design – which started life as a series of sketches.

 

Once the detailed design drawings were finally finished, it was time to develop the initial prototypes – working closely with the developers of the new fibre-optic materials to learn how to work them into handbag designs.  My aim in this part of the development was to determine if the materials were actually fit for purpose – was the light coming from the material bright enough? Was the material strong enough to line a bag? Would it give off heat when powered? (Wouldn’t want it to melt my chocolate bar!) I also needed to learn how to physically work with the material whilst manufacturing my bags, establishing any limitations or weaknesses.

The initial prototypes were mocked up with a wool felt exterior, and a fully working switch system which operated the LED lining when the bag was opened and closed. The pictures below show the development of my very first working prototypes. Once these were completed, I was able to start the exciting process of testing the new tech of the material inside!

 

Luckily, the initial testing was a success! After the testing period, I knew where we needed reinforcement moving into manufacturing. With all this information and a rough idea of the material costs, I set out to finalize the designs, and find a UK manufacturer I could work closely with.

It was another two years in searching, testing and prototyping with different ideas, materials/processes and hitting a few brick walls before we would get to a manufacturing stage. In this time, we tested a variety of options and settled on the sustainable, cruelty-free cork leather for the exterior of the bag.

I was passionate about making FABRIKK a British-made brand, due to the need for me to work closely with the manufacturers, and for ensuring high quality and transparency along the supply chain. Building a close relationship with our suppliers and working one on one with our manufacturers would be crucial to the success of the brand.

We want to nurture great working relationships with ethical suppliers and support British businesses – so will continue to keep all our manufacturing as local as possible.



















































































































































































































































































































































































































































Leave a comment

This blog is moderated.