Three Worlds 핸드백 by Gaja Hanzel is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 철상 in 패션 및 여행 액세서리 디자인 Competition Category.

철액세서리· 2026

Three Worlds 핸드백

by Gaja Hanzel

A' Design Award 철상 Winner in 액세서리 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Three Worlds 핸드백

세 개의 세계, 하나의 마음(Three Worlds One Heart) 핸드백 컬렉션은 전통적 스토리텔링과 현대적 디자인의 교차점을 탐구합니다. 이 핸드백들은 세 지역의 문화적 영향을 패턴, 형태, 컬러 팔레트로 풀어내며 서사적 오브제로 완성되었습니다. 식물성 가죽 대체 소재와 프린트된 천연 텍스타일로 제작된 각 핸드백은 기능성과 감성적 깊이의 균형을 이룹니다. 이 컬렉션은 시대를 초월한 디자인, 지역 생산, 그리고 기억과 이동의 개인적 매개체로서 핸드백이 지니는 역할을 강조합니다.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 철상

Three Worlds 핸드백, 이 작품은 A' Design Award 철상 수상작으로, 잘 디자인된 창작물에 기대되는 전문적·산업적 요건을 충족하는 좋은 디자인에 수여되는 권위 있는 인정입니다. 철상 수상작은 창작자의 뛰어난 기술, 높은 전문성, 전문가다운 이해, 창의적 역량을 보여 줍니다. Three Worlds 핸드백, 이 작품은 높이 평가받고 감탄과 사랑을 받는 창작물로서 실용적이고 혁신적일 것으로 기대됩니다. 이 철상 수상 디자인은 업계 모범 사례를 통합하며 노하우와 재능으로 연결된 유능한 기술적 특성을 갖추고 있습니다. Three Worlds 핸드백, 이 작품은 철저함으로 존중받으며 삶의 질을 개선하여 세상을 더 나은 곳으로 만들도록 디자인되었습니다.

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