My initial R&D for traditional Japanese esthetics and quick sketches that lead to my original Lantern Bag design.
Accessory Design:
Lantern Bag
After brainstorming ways to showcase the beauty of vintage kimono and ways to help bring ancient techniques into the modern era, I designed the Lantern Bag for Amaterasu World. While traveling through Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto, I toured kimono showrooms, met with Shibori artisans and jewelry makers, gaining a first-hand understanding of Japanese design symbolism.
After I made the first pattern and a rough sample, I decided to change the opening style to a lid, in order to keep the structured lantern shape. After some collaboration with the company owner, the shape has evolved slightly over the years and is still in production. It was recently for sale in the Asia Society and Museum in New York City.
Vintage kimono fabric used to make truly unique handbags.
Handmade samples at the factory by local artisans in Japan. Each Lantern Bag used different vintage kimono fabrics.
Lantern Bags for sale in the Asia Society Museum store in New York City.