LARA
SLING BAG
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Type: SCHOLA Project
Year: 2024
Role: Designer & Leather Artisan
The Lara bag is inspired by the classic flap bag silhouette, combining structure and softness. The rigid structure is contrasted by the soft, curved sides and slightly padded panels. Designed to be a convertible shoulder and cross-body bag, the strap features two lengths that are adjustable for versatile wear.
DESIGN CONCEPT
Inspiration: A classic silhouette with the versatility of a
“day-to-night" bag.
Key Elements:
- Clean, minimal silhouette with curved sides.
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Adjustable strap for versatile wear.
The goal was to express understated elegance through thoughtful proportions and fluid lines.
TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS
Materials:
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Pebbled cowhide leather
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Faux leather lining (Microfibre)
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Foam padding
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Salpa 4.0mm
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Seta (fabric pocket lining)
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Steel strip
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Plastic zipper
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Snap button closure – 2 studs; 4 sockets
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Reinforcement tape
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Edge paint
Techniques used:
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Edge painting
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Piping
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Machine stitching
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Hand pattern making
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Hand pattern cutting
INITIAL SKETCH
Challenge
A miscalculation in the placement of the interior zipper pocket resulted in an unexpectedly thick edge at the side of the bag.
Solution
Applied glue and clamped the layers with extra precision to ensure proper adhesion before stitching. During construction, the area was stitched slowly and carefully to ensure all layers were securely and evenly sewn together.
Challenge
Ensuring a clean finish at the gusset-fold area, as this area is difficult to align cleanly and can become quite bulky.
Solution
Skiving the edges cleanly to avoid bulk, and cutting out extra leather materials where the gusset meets the lining and external panels to ensure equal thickness throughout.
PROTOTYPE
PROCESS GALLERY
