DESIGN NAME: Le Morne Lunch Box
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Crossbody Handbag
INSPIRATION: Once, a good friend came to visit me in Manhattan. He'd always wanted to order Chinese food so he could eat out of the take-out box. It was a classic image of what city-life was like; sitting on the apartment floor with good friends, light shining through the window, using disposable utensils. It was the same feeling I had when I moved to New York City away from my family: fearful, but willing to put everything into pursuing my dreams of being a designer. The collection is about those moments.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Le Morne Lunch Box is the distinguished Jeff Wan "It bag". Crafted in premium Italian calf leather and treated to last for years of wear, the spacious interior compartments are lined with Ultrasuede fabric that is soft to the touch, and creates a true feeling of luxury. Its aesthetic is both minimal and multi-functional, boasting an origami-like construction. It features a removable top handle and adjustable crossbody strap and user-friendly magnetic top-closure, safekeeping the wearer's items.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Le Morne Lunch Box is a top-handle crossbody handbag. Primarily used as a fashion accessory for carrying belongings while traveling during the day and night. The top-handle can be removed and reattached using the collar studs. The crossbody strap has dog-clips at each end and can be adjusted to a maximum length of 711.2mm and a minimum length of 609.6mm. The wearer can access the interior compartment of the bag by lifting the folded flaps at the top which are secured down by a hidden magnet.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Design concept through production and distribution of Le Morne Lunch Box began in January 2018 and was completed in April 2018. The product is for sale online through the Jeff Wan brand website, in-store at Maison10 in New York City, online at CoEdition.com, and through pop-up shop retail spaces in New York City.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Le Morne Lunch Box is made by hand in New York City using standard tools and machines to assist in the sampling and production. Patterns are cut using dye-cut panels, similar to cookie-cutters. Panels are cut, bonded and folded, and raw edges are painted by hand with a semi-gloss polymer for durability and aesthetic purposes. A commercial-friendly nylon thread is used for strength and longevity.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 152.4mm x 228.6mm x 152.4mm
TAGS: top handle, crossbody, take out box, lunch box, satchel, accessory, handbag, lunchbox
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I studied Industrial Design at Pratt Institute. I've held intern, apprentice, assistant and associate positions at fashion houses including Diesel, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors and Coach. I've learned how to compile market research, how to develop my designs and construction techniques with manufacturing partners, and most importantly, how to evaluate my designs from the perspective of the consumer. This cross-department knowledge has been key to my success as a team-member and entrepreneur.
CHALLENGE: I've learned that although a design looks good on paper, it does not mean it can translate well into a three-dimensional object. It took more than 3 rounds of prototype samples with the production partner to get the Le Morne Lunch Box the way I liked. When working with leather, especially in a structured form, it can be difficult to get the fillers and overall hand-feel just right. After fixing and compromising on minor design details here and there, the final pre-production sample was complete!
ADDED DATE: 2019-02-05 18:49:25
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Beyond Studios, Le Morne Lunch Box in Color Block Flag, 2018
Image #2: Beyond Studios, Le Morne Lunch Box in Color Block Flag Launch Event, 2018
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