Oversized Tote Bag Charcoal Indigo × Pure White × Persimmon × Soft Aqua 21mm/10mm｜Wide Mix｜PP Craft Bag - Trial No.1
Design & Craft
【Prototype】Fortuna Pearl: A Tote Mixing Widths and Colors
- This piece is a prototype woven by mixing different widths and colors of Fortuna Pearl.
We focused on using Fortuna Pearl, a material characterized by its silky smooth texture and beautiful, pearl-like luster, to create a depth of color and rhythm in the weave pattern.
Body Material and Design
- Base Colors: We used two colors in the 21mm width: "Aisumicha (Indigo Soot Brown)" and "Shiro (White)."
- Accent Colors: We mixed two colors—"Kakiiro (Persimmon Color)" and "Usu-ao (Pale Blue)"—which were split from the 21mm width band down to approximately 10mm wide.
- Feature: By combining bands of different widths (approx. 21mm and 10mm) and a total of four colors, we have achieved a rich texture and a unique weave pattern.
Handle Specifications
- Material: Uses a ready-made synthetic leather (leather-look) handle.
- Specifications: Total length approx. 55 cm, width approx. 1.8–4 cm.
- Attachment: Firmly secured with two types of double-sided rivets, φ 9 and φ 12, ensuring both the design balance with the body and durability.
Product shape and dimensions
Making Story
This was my first time using Fortuna Pearl material, and the first time I attempted something as large as roughly 37cm × 29cm.
My aim was to mix in widths other than 15mm and choose a color combination that did not overlap with previous prototypes. The overall shape came together well, though the color combination received some lukewarm reactions. Color is perceived so differently from person to person, and that variability brought home how hard it is to land on the right combination.
Near the end of the work, I ran into a situation where a single strap turned out to be too short. For a moment I considered finishing it with a splice, but I realized that anything less than complete from the start was not acceptable, so I removed the short piece and added new material properly.
For the handle I used INAZUMA's synthetic leather YAK-5502. Based on the overall feel of the bag I judged that a color close to Usuao would suit it, so I chose khaki for the handle. For the handle backing, I peeled off the round green synthetic leather that had been a stylish accent and reused it. I also chose not to use the leg-fold hardware that came with the part, and instead secured everything with one Φ12 double-cap rivet and two Φ9 double-cap rivets for a more careful finish.
My biggest regret is that I placed the handle in the wrong position. The small pin-hole marks meant to be hidden by the handle ended up visible, which I really wish I could undo. The handle position and other small issues show that this Wide Mix Pearl Prototype One still has plenty of room for improvement. I will take these lessons forward and keep raising my unfinished finishing skills.
Only one piece was made.
Product code: FMWX-T001