Handbag Collection

inspired by Fabian Bürgy

create an accessory collection that is minimal and utilizes industrial materials

photos by Anastasia Cheatham

model: Laura Battiston

sketchbook process:

redraws of Bürgy's work

exploring possible material options that give off a compressed or deformed impression — exploring possible material options that give off a compressed or deformed impression

Bürgy's piece titled, Black is coming, was the main inspiration for experimenting with liquid rubber. I tested the rubber on a pair of shoes, as well as samples of leather to see how it would behave. The rubber was very thick, and difficult to work … — Bürgy's piece titled, Black is coming, was the main inspiration for experimenting with liquid rubber. I tested the rubber on a pair of shoes, as well as samples of leather to see how it would behave. The rubber was very thick, and difficult to work with, but I liked the fact that it had a mind of its own.

(left) sketching possible forms for the handbags(right) Bürgy's piece titled, La Fatigue, presents an organic quality to a hanging piece of metal that sparked my curiousity. I created paper mockups that were pinched and folded in certain ways that d… — (left) sketching possible forms for the handbags
(right) Bürgy's piece titled, La Fatigue, presents an organic quality to a hanging piece of metal that sparked my curiousity. I created paper mockups that were pinched and folded in certain ways that demonstrated motion, as well as formed interesting shapes. His other piece, Harter Sack (Serie), appears to be made out of concrete, yet possesses the soft element of a pillow. I used asymmetric aspects throughout my sketches to give a disruptive trait to the very simple, clean forms I wanted to use. Studying these particular works of art led me to look at static, industrial materials in a new perspective-- I wanted to be able to give them a new meaning, just like Bürgy did.

toteconstructed out of aluminum window screen with aluminum dowels and rope as handles — tote
constructed out of aluminum window screen with aluminum dowels and rope as handles

crossbodyhandsewn fiberglass window screen with woven polypropylene lining and rope handle — crossbody
handsewn fiberglass window screen with woven polypropylene lining and rope handle

removable lining — removable lining

more redraws and collages centered around the inspiration to create a moodThe mood I envisioned to create was minimal, understated, yet striking. I wanted to somehow capture these traits found in his work, as well as the stark whites and intense bla… — more redraws and collages centered around the inspiration to create a mood
The mood I envisioned to create was minimal, understated, yet striking. I wanted to somehow capture these traits found in his work, as well as the stark whites and intense blacks seen throughout various pieces.

sketching handbags based on the idea of physical tension found in Bürgy's work-- he does this by suspending heavy, durable materials with fragile, thin materials. I wanted to explore ways of attaching the handle to the body of the bag, as well as pl… — sketching handbags based on the idea of physical tension found in Bürgy's work-- he does this by suspending heavy, durable materials with fragile, thin materials. I wanted to explore ways of attaching the handle to the body of the bag, as well as play with proportions.

(right) other inspiration similar to Bürgy'sThis particular inspiration led me to research different types of mesh, and ways I could apply it to other accessories besides handbags. The ultimate decision to use a variety of window screens as my mesh … — (right) other inspiration similar to Bürgy's
This particular inspiration led me to research different types of mesh, and ways I could apply it to other accessories besides handbags. The ultimate decision to use a variety of window screens as my mesh material became the start of focusing the collection around industrial materials.

Many of Bürgy's pieces feature sandbags. This inspired me to experiment with the material known as woven polypropylene. Now with my final material choices and limitations in mind, I began sketching handbag possibilities.

hand dipped in liquid rubber — hand dipped in liquid rubber

woven polypropylene clutch with soft fiberglass window screen lining — woven polypropylene clutch with soft fiberglass window screen lining

fiberglass window screen coin purse dipped in liquid rubber — fiberglass window screen coin purse dipped in liquid rubber