Interview about Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet, winner of the A' Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Award 2023
Orizzonte 01 is a unique and innovative zip around wallet that combines fish leather and gradient leather to represent the sea and sky. The use of discarded fish skin as fish leather not only reduces waste but also adds an interesting texture to the product. The attention to detail is evident in the height of the coin purse space and the use of top-quality zippers for smooth opening and closing. The creative challenge of achieving a beautiful gradation is impressive, and the result is a visually stunning product that allows users to carry the scenery with them.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe idea of transforming discarded fish skin into luxury leather is not originally mine. My inspiration came from encountering fish leather and resonating with the phrase “sustainable manufacturing that does not waste the blessings of life” from those involved in fish leather production. This connection led me to consider creating items using fish leather.One day, while fishing before sunrise and watching the ocean during the “blue hour,” when the world is bathed in blue, I wondered if I could create leather items that express the waves of the sea and the changing sky through fish leather and gradient effects.Leather from cattle and other animals is also a by-product of meat culture, which means it is, in fact, a sustainable material. By using fish leather derived from "fish," which is commonly found on Japanese dining tables, it becomes easier to visualize the concept of a by-product.Through fish leather, I hope to encourage many people to reflect on waste and the by-products of meat culture in leather products.
Fish leather has an uneven surface, which causes some problems when sewing, so the protrusion of the scale pattern was slightly shaved off to make the fish leather less uneven.Otherwise, there were no differences from other leathers and few technical issues.
The precise engineering of the coin purse space height in the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet was the result of an iterative design process that balanced functionality, aesthetics, and the constraints of working with fish leather. Here's an overview of how we arrived at this solution:1. Prototyping and TestingRefinement Rounds: Multiple prototypes were developed, each slightly adjusting the height of the coin purse walls. These tests involved:Daily Use Trials: Simulating real-world usage by adding varying coin types and testing for ease of access and secure closure.2. Fine-Tuning the DesignZipper Placement: The zipper was positioned with millimeter precision to avoid snagging on coins while maintaining a smooth glide.The result is a coin purse space that seamlessly integrates into the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet, delivering a refined experience that underscores our commitment to usability without sacrificing the wallet’s luxurious aesthetic.
While fishing before sunrise and watching the ocean during the enchanting moment known as the "blue hour," I was inspired to think about whether I could create leather items that express the waves of the sea using fish leather, while utilizing gradient effects to represent the changing colors of the sky.I realized that the scale patterns of fish leather not only resemble waves but also signify the creatures that inhabit the ocean, allowing it to effectively represent the sea itself.Additionally, I believed that a gradient effect was essential for capturing the nuances of the sky's hues. This led me to consider various methods for dyeing the leather to achieve the desired gradient, ensuring that the final product reflected the beautiful transitions of color that occur at dawn.
The creation of the three colour variants of the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet, L'ora blu, L'ora magica and Il notturno, was a deliberate design choice that evokes a specific moment in nature, defined by the unique interaction of time and light The colours of each piece are inspired by the natural cycle of time and light. Each colour scheme represents a different stage of the natural cycle, inspired by the shifting light and colours throughout the day, and our deep emotional connection with the natural world influenced our choices.1. l'ora blu (The Blue Hour)Inspiration L'ora blu takes its inspiration from the ‘blue hour’, the time just before sunrise and after sunset. This moment is marked by deep, quiet blues and soft purples as the sky darkens, but before the first and last rays of the sun have completely disappeared.Colour palette: the blue tones evoke the stillness and coolness of twilight, where the world seems to stand still and time seems to stand still, stilled by the fading light of evening. We chose a mix of shades, including deep blues and violet, to capture this peaceful, contemplative moment. The colour transitions are subtle, reflecting the gradual changes in the sky just before night fully sets in.Symbolism: the colour palette evokes calm, reflection and tranquillity, representing a rare moment of serenity, as the world quietly waits for day and night to unfold.2. lola magica (The Magic Hour)Inspiration Lola Magica draws inspiration from the ‘magic hour’, just before sunset and after sunrise, when the colours of the rainbow - purple, orange, gold and light blue - glow beautifully. The complex shades of this time of day give the world a magical quality, enveloping everything in warmth and ethereal light.Colour palette: this variation features a rainbow of tones including purple, orange, gold and light blue.Symbolism: Lola Magica captures fleeting moments of warmth, beauty and hope, evoking a sense of optimism and wonder. The livery symbolises the magic of nature's rhythms as everything shines in an otherworldly light, signalling both the end and beginning of the day.3. il Notturno (The Painting of The Night Scene)Inspiration Il Notturno is inspired by the stillness of the night, when the sky is deep and dark, with only faint starlight or moonlight shining through. The colouring reflects the quiet majesty of the night sky.Colour palette: the shades used for Il Notturno are deep, rich shades of purple and black. This gives the leather an almost ethereal depth, expressing the serenity and vastness of the night.Symbolism: this variation expresses mystery, rest and the quiet beauty of night. It embodies the peaceful solitude that night brings, bringing reflection and tranquillity while the world sleeps.Design process for each colourwayLayering and gradation techniques: the gradient effect creates a smooth transition between tones, capturing the gradual changes in natural light.Emotional connection: as well as reflecting the beauty of nature, it also provides a sensory connection to the time of day - the coolness of twilight, the warmth of dawn and dusk, the stillness of night.
The Leather Edge Creaser technique plays a pivotal role in defining the refined aesthetic of the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet. By creating a clean, decorative line along the edges of the leather, it enhances the wallet’s visual appeal and elevates its overall design, giving it a polished, professional look. Here’s how this technique contributes to the piece:1. Precision and SymmetryThe edge creaser ensures a consistent groove or bevel along the leather’s edges, which adds a harmonious and balanced detail to the wallet. This precision aligns with the wallet's minimalist design, enhancing its sophistication without overwhelming its simple yet elegant aesthetic. The sharp, consistent lines create a visual flow that complements the rest of the design.2. Refined TextureBeyond its aesthetic function, the creaser subtly compresses the leather’s edges. This step prepares the leather for subsequent finishing processes such as burnishing or painting, ensuring the edges are smooth and refined. This meticulous finishing reduces roughness, providing a tactile quality that enhances the wallet's luxury feel.3. DurabilityThe well-executed edge creasing technique not only contributes to the visual appeal but also strengthens the leather’s edges. Properly finished edges are crucial in preventing fraying or splitting over time, ensuring the wallet maintains its structural integrity. This durability ensures the wallet remains functional and beautiful for many years, aligning with the commitment to quality craftsmanship.In the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet, the thoughtful application of the Leather Edge Creaser reflects the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to superior craftsmanship. This subtle yet impactful feature underscores the wallet’s sophisticated design, offering a refined, durable finish that stands the test of time.
The Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet’s blend of sustainability and luxury could set a powerful precedent in the future of accessory design by reshaping the expectations around premium goods. It demonstrates that luxury doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment, and that sustainable materials can be as alluring and desirable as traditional ones. This approach can lead to several key shifts in the industry:Broader Adoption of Sustainable Materials: High-end designers are increasingly willing to explore alternative materials like fish leather, mushroom leather, and other innovative options. This could lead to a broader market embrace of sustainable alternatives that maintain the quality and aesthetics required in luxury goods.Integration of Storytelling into Product Value: As the case suggests, when items have a story—such as being crafted from repurposed materials—they carry emotional and ethical value. Consumers are increasingly drawn to pieces that reflect values like conservation and mindful consumption, so future accessories might prioritize a similar narrative.Emphasis on Transparency and Traceability: As sustainability continues to influence luxury, consumers are also looking for transparency in sourcing and production. Knowing the origins of materials (e.g., ethically sourced fish leather) becomes a part of the appeal, allowing buyers to make choices aligned with their values.In essence, designs like the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet are at the forefront of a new luxury movement—one that values ethics, environmental stewardship, and innovation, potentially inspiring both consumers and designers to rethink what “luxury” truly represents.
The scale pattern in the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet brilliantly mimics the fluidity of ocean waves, and the use of sea bream skin was a carefully chosen material to achieve this natural aesthetic effect. Several characteristics of sea bream skin make it an ideal choice for this design:1. Distinctive Scale PatternSea bream leather features a unique and finely detailed scale pattern, which resembles the gentle flow of ocean waves. The scales are naturally arranged in an elegant, overlapping manner that mirrors the texture of the sea, providing an authentic look that is both organic and visually appealing.2. Texture and DepthThe scales of sea bream leather have a subtle but dynamic texture. This texture allows light to reflect off the surface in varying ways, creating depth and movement. The interplay of light across the scales gives the wallet a liveliness, capturing the shifting nature of water and enhancing the oceanic theme.3. Durability and StrengthSea bream skin, like many fish leathers, is known for its strength and durability. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a robust material, providing the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet with long-lasting durability. This ensures that the natural pattern remains intact over time, making it a perfect choice for a piece that combines both beauty and functionality.4. SustainabilitySea bream leather is a sustainable option, often made from fish that are by-products of the food industry. This aligns with the eco-conscious design philosophy of the Orizzonte collection, allowing the use of a natural material that doesn’t contribute to additional environmental waste, further enhancing the connection to nature.In summary, the use of sea bream skin in the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet combines the visual appeal of its distinctive scale pattern with its tactile qualities and environmental benefits. The result is a piece that not only represents the fluidity and beauty of the ocean but also showcases sustainable craftsmanship.
The recognition of the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet with an A' Design Award is a significant milestone, and it has certainly influenced my approach to future designs in the L'ora blu collection in several ways:1. Reinforced Commitment to Innovation and CraftsmanshipWinning an international award like the A' Design Award validates the importance of pushing boundaries in both design and craftsmanship. It has further reinforced my commitment to integrating innovative techniques, sustainable materials, and meticulous attention to detail in future designs. For the L'ora blu collection, this recognition encourages me to experiment with new textures, patterns, and materials, while staying true to the core values of functionality, elegance, and environmental responsibility.2. Emphasis on Storytelling and Emotional ConnectionThe Orizzonte 01 wallet’s success has highlighted the importance of incorporating storytelling into design. With L'ora blu, I will continue to explore how the materials and design elements can reflect deeper narratives — whether through the use of sustainable fish leather or the evocation of natural phenomena like the play of light and time. This recognition encourages me to think beyond aesthetics and focus on creating products that resonate emotionally with consumers, helping them connect with the design’s inspiration and purpose.3. Elevated Standards of ExcellenceBeing acknowledged with the A' Design Award sets a higher standard for future projects. It inspires a greater focus on precision, refinement, and holistic design thinking. I’m motivated to further perfect the balance between artistry and practicality, ensuring that every new item in the L'ora blu collection meets the same level of excellence, both in terms of form and function.4. Global Perspective and Market AppealThis recognition opens doors to a wider, international audience. As I continue to develop new pieces for the L'ora blu collection, there is now a deeper awareness of the global market’s expectations. Understanding the diverse tastes and cultural contexts allows me to design products that are both universally appreciated and uniquely innovative, ensuring the collection resonates with luxury-conscious consumers worldwide while staying rooted in sustainability and ethical design.5. Encouraging Collaboration and GrowthThe A' Design Award has also fostered a sense of collaboration and growth, encouraging me to connect with other designers, artisans, and professionals. These relationships offer valuable insights and inspire new ideas for future pieces in the L'ora blu collection, helping me push the boundaries of what can be achieved in luxury, sustainability, and design.In essence, the recognition of the Orizzonte 01 Zip Around Wallet has not only validated the design principles of the L'ora blu collection but also motivated me to continue innovating and refining my approach. It is a constant reminder that design can inspire change and impact, especially when guided by the principles of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
ChatGPT:ChatGPTThe most challenging part was repeatedly prototyping until I achieved the desired color for the gradient leather. I experimented with various factors such as dye concentration, color mixing, and the tools used for dyeing, continuing the process until I was satisfied with the results. In the end, I was able to achieve the perfect color, and it has been praised by customers as well.
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