Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe by Gaja Hanzel

Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe by Gaja Hanzel is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Iarainn A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Goireasan Fasain agus Siubhail Competition Category.

IarannGoireas· 2026

Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe

by Gaja Hanzel

Duais Iarainn A' Design Award Winner in Goireas Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe

Déanann bailiúchán málaí láimhe Trí Shaol Croí Amháin iniúchadh ar an gcrosbhealach idir scéalaíocht oidhreachta agus dearadh nua-aimseartha. Forbraítear na málaí láimhe mar rudaí insinte, ag aistriú tionchair chultúrtha ó thrí réigiún go patrúin, foirmeacha agus paileataí datha. Déanta as roghanna leathair plandabhunaithe agus teicstílí nádúrtha clóite, cothromaíonn gach mála láimhe feidhmiúlacht le doimhneacht mhothúchánach. Cuireann an bailiúchán béim ar dhearadh gan aois, ar tháirgeadh áitiúil agus ar ról an mhála láimhe mar iompróir pearsanta cuimhne agus gluaiseachta.

The Recognition

About the Duais Iarainn A' Design Award

Tha Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe air Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean math a choinnicheas ris na riatanasan proifeiseanta is gnìomhachais a thathar a' sùileachadh bho chruthachaidhean a chaidh an dealbhadh gu math. Tha buannaichean Iarainn a' nochdadh sgil mhòr, speisealachadh àrd, tuigse eòlaiche agus comas cruthachail an luchd-cruthachaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe na chruthachadh air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach a tha practaigeach agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr sa ghnìomhachas còmhla agus tha feartan teignigeach comasach aige ceangailte ri eòlas-dèanamh agus tàlant. Tha meas air Three Worlds Málaí Láimhe airson a dhùrachd agus chaidh a dhealbhadh gus leasachaidhean càileachd beatha a thoirt seachad a chuidicheas le bhith a' dèanamh an t-saoghail na àite nas fheàrr.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Three Worlds One Heart handbag collection is based on a biographical design concept translating personal histories from three countries into functional objects. Each model reflects the distinct lifestyles of three sisters: a travel companion, a compact everyday bag, a market drawstring tote, and a vintage inspired silhouette for day and evening use. Three original prints, rooted in memory and cultural heritage, appear on exterior or lining. The series comprises four handbags in three color variations, combining narrative depth, functionality, and lasting emotional value.
Dimensions & Packaging: There are 4 tipes of bags in the collection. The bag sizes are: 41 x 20 x 16 cm, 26 x 20 x 5 cm, 24 x 26 x 15 cm, 35 x 17 x 12 cm.
Tags: bag design, pattern design, cultural heritage, women's handbag, timeless design, original prints
Production Technology: The project applies a narrative driven design methodology, transforming biographical research into functional products. Textile patterns were developed combining hand-drawn motifs and digital refinement, forming a cohesive visual system inspired by cultural heritage, landscapes, and personal memories. Bags are crafted from cotton and apple waste leather alternative featuring original digital prints. Each form was refined through prototyping and structural testing, resulting in balanced proportions and functional clarity, with shapes inspired by each bag’s intended use and the region where the sisters lived.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was translating intimate family narratives and diverse cultural contexts into a cohesive and contemporary handbag designs while maintaining functional clarity. Developing original prints that respectfully reflect three cultural environments required extensive research into heritage, symbols and color language. Additional challenges included technical limitations of materials, local production, and pattern scalability, which demanded iterative experimentation to ensure functional, durable, and ethically produced designs.
Research: This project is based on qualitative, practice led design research. The objective was to explore how family history, regional cultural heritage, and everyday lifestyles can inform contemporary handbag forms and textile patterns. The research translated personal and regional narratives using visual research, cultural analysis, original print development, material testing and prototyping. Data came from archives, family narratives, field visits, and photography. Results produced cohesive patterns and functional forms, translating memory, culture, and daily life into versatile handbags.
Inspiration: The handbags originate from an intimate family narrative, inspired by the life stories of three sisters, including my grandmother, whose lives unfolded across three countries: Slovenia, Croatia and North Macedonia. Their stories initiated an indepth research process into personal memories, cultural heritage and architectural forms, which shaped the overall designs and original prints, translating memories and cultural identity into a cohesive visual language.
Project Duration: The project began in June 2025 in Gorizia, Italy and ended in November 2025 in Sezana, Slovenia. It was exhibited at the local cultural center in Slovenia.
Operation Flow: The collection offers versatile carrying options for everyday use. Two models feature adjustable and removable straps, allowing shoulder, crossbody, or hand carry. The two larger bags provide ample space for personal items. Textile patterns appear on the exterior for some bags and as lining for others, creating a visual surprise. Each design balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, adapting effortlessly to different occasions and styling needs.
Image Credits: Image #No 1, 4, 5 : Photographer Dominique Pozzo, Three Worlds, 2025
Image #No 2, 3 : Photographer Gaja Hanzel, Three Worlds, 2025