Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen by Gaja Hanzel

Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen by Gaja Hanzel is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Eisen in Moud a Reesaccessoiren Design Competition Category.

EisenAccessoire· 2026

Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen

by Gaja Hanzel

A' Design Award an Eisen Winner in Accessoire Category

8,140

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #178374

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen

D'Handtaschekollektioun Three Worlds One Heart entdeckt d'Iwwerschneidung vun Ierfschaftserzielung a modernem Design. D'Handtaschen ginn als narrativ Objeten entwéckelt, déi kulturell Aflëss aus dräi Regiounen a Mustere, Formen a Faarfpaletten iwwersetzen. Aus planzebaséierten Ledderalternativen a bedréckten natierlechen Textilie gefäerdegt, gläicht all Handtasch Funktionalitéit mat emotionaler Déift aus. D'Kollektioun ënnersträicht zäitlose Design, lokal Produktioun an d'Roll vun der Handtasch als perséinlechen Dréier vu Gedächtnes a Beweegung.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Eisen

Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Eisen, enger prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un gutt Designe vergi gëtt, déi déi professionell an industriell Ufuerderunge erfëllen, déi vu gutt gestaltene Kreatioune erwaart ginn. Eisen-Gewënner weisen déi grouss Fäegkeet, déi héich Spezialiséierung, dat Expertewëssen an d'kreativ Kapazitéit vun hire Schëpfer. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen eng héich geschätzt, bewonnert a beléifte Kreatioun ass, déi praktesch an innovativ ass. Dëst mam Eisen ausgezeechent Design integréiert déi beschte Praktike vun der Industrie a huet kompetent technesch Eegeschaften, déi mat Know-how an Talent verbonne sinn. Three Worlds Primär Funktioun: Handtaschen gëtt fir seng Grëndlechkeet respektéiert a ass gestalt, d'Liewensqualitéit ze verbesseren an ze hëllefen, d'Welt zu enger besserer Plaz ze maachen.

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