Image Resources:
I was inspired by fun and lighthearted designs for this project because I wanted an innovative and quirky way to carry my everyday items (a large wallet, phone, and keycards). It is a burden to carry purses whose handles fall off of my shoulder or that I have to constantly take the small objects out of my large wallet to fit into a smaller bag. This “fun” bag that I wanted to create could be the solution to take away the burden of carrying a wallet, phone, and keycard, and make it a fun and hands-free experience. The food and pop culture trend in accessories inspired me to design a banana shapes backpack as well as a PopSecret popcorn bag backpack because I cannot live without these foods. I decided to go with the banana because they are a quirky shape and bright color on their own. Also, yellow is my favorite color, so this bag is a personality piece as well as it is functional. Anya Hindmarch’s cereal clutches inspired this food and accessory combination. I looked at Rebecca Minkoff’s backpack for inspiration on constructing a backpack. Chanel’s milk purse and the watermelon clutch continued to inspire me within the realm of wearable food.
Sketchbook Iterations:
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- original sketches
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- popcorn backpack idea
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- alternate banana packpack idea simplified with no side panel
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- original sketches-banana backpack
Fabric and Trims:
I immediately envisioned this bag in vinyl because of the smooth sheen that would mimic the look and texture of a banana. I got vinyl swatches, but also got felt and nylon as alternate options. After sourcing the swatches, I decided on using the vinyl even though it is a difficult fabric to work with.
I wanted to push the quirky look of a banana backpack and add a whimsical touch by adorning the front of the banana that is unpeeled with rhinestones. I purchased a variation of colored rhinestones from M&J Trimming.
Vinyl on left with rhinestones and felt on right
Prototype:
1. Pattern Paper:
In the pattern paper process, I used the french curve to build the shape that I wanted because the banana is an organic shape with irregular curves. I created the 3D structure by clipping the curves so that it would lay flat. The finished product was structural and created the shape that I desired. I used different layers to create the peel effect and taped them on top of each other in this iteration to show how it would look layered when I topstitched it in the following iterations.
2. Muslin:
In the muslin process, I used the industrial machine to translate my paper pattern into fabric. The fabric is not structures to the product was floppy, but I was able to see that the bag would be more structured similarly to the paper pattern from the first iteration, which would translate in the structured vinyl material. With the peel effect, I tacked down the top of each peel to the bag so I would not have to sew through it on the sides. This draft worked well because I could see how much seam allowance to add, where to tack the peels, and how much to shorten the straps.
Process in final material:
The process on the vinyl material was difficult because it is thick and hard to function in each machine. The main obstacle was working with the tension because it changed based on the weight of this fabric. Also, installing the zipper on a curved edge was difficult, but I think the final product is successful. Another obstacle that was hard to work with was the material because you cannot seam rip the material and try again since the holes would show and you cannot pin it. I practiced with the material constantly to reduce the amount of mistakes I would make on the final.
Finished Product:
Overall, I think the finished product is successful because it translates my idea of a fun banana backpack and because it holds the objects that I wanted it to– my large wallet, phone, and key cards. While I do think the peels are a bit floppy, I would change this if I remake the bag. Also, I think some parts of the bag like the straps could be reinforced for strength. Still, I think the bag works because it matches the design I wanted to create and because I learned how to solve certain problems along the way such as installing the zipper, and working with vinyl to create structured shape.
