Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

Specialized in Design.

Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

About Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

The design studio Franco Arazzi was founded by two independent female designers, Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova. Together, they created multifunctional leather handmade handbags under new brand Multibags, which can be worn in several different ways - as a bag, packpack, handbag, purse, letter-bags... Furthermore, the Franco Arazzi studio is not focused only on the field of fashion but also on the social nonprofit project, e.g. "ChemoHats" - design of ‘bare head’ hats for women after chemotherapy; or "Handibags" - designs created especially for individuals with various types of physical disabilities according to their needs. The studio Franco Arazzi is based at Prague, Czech Republic.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
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Interview with Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
We have been friends since we’ve studied at the Secondary Arts School. Coincidentally, we met six years ago and joined forces under a new brand, Franco Arazzi, to design and sew handmade leather handbags - multibags. We both are artists for all our lives, Olina as a iron sculptor and Jitka as a graphic artist. So there was just a small step from art to the applied design.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
The common credo of our studio is that good design enriches life and connects people who share the same sentiment. Creating design in moments when majority of creators say that nothing new can be done completely enchanted us. Exploring the design possibilities of objects that were created to carry things has brought up the issue of multi-functionality as well as creations for the physically challenged. In a special nonprofit project we created bags, handbags and backpacks especially for individuals with various types of physical disabilities according to their needs. Our latest nonprofit project focuses on the design of ‘bare head’ hats for women after chemotherapy.
What is "design" for you?
Our multifunctional handbagsare not subject to any fashion dictates – they are as free as their owners.They do not need to draw attention to the social status or the amount of the credit card. On the contrary, they should be an original complement and a functional subject for a self-confident "wearer" who wants to be different and is not afraid to step out of the crowd.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
We enjoy the process of creation itself. It is a social extension and design therapy for us. We design andcreate something that is essentially ours, based on our experience and needs. We test each modelpersonally and investigate how to improve it, what to add, what to get rid of...We are surprised how the meetings with our customers enriche us. These meetings are both inspirational and often end up in a true friendship. Here we connect our need for creating, designing and communicating with the social aspect of knowing new people. We are interested in their opinion, needs and life experiences.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
We don't want to enlight some single design. We believe that the best aspect of our design studio is the support and help in everyday life to those, who truly deserves the good design but due to their physical dissability they commonly can't reach it.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Our first design was a multifunctional handbag-backpack Cuscino which was inspired by a pillow.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Our designs are made from bovine leather - a traditional material that is used for years and ages with beauty. It can be recycled easily when worn out. We used a thick boat rope for the handle as it enables simple knots tying and re-tying.
When do you feel the most creative?
We extremely enjoy the inventing of new models anywhere anytime - e.g. before felling asleep or waking up, but also during travelling or visiting galleries. We embrace any inspiration but we try to avoid following now-away fashion trends.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The most important aspects for us are the multifunctionality and minimalistic design.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
The uplifting moment is when our customer call us with a new method how to wear our multibag which we didn't even predict. We are surprised how the meetings with our customers enriche us. These meetings are inspirational and often end up in a true friendship. Here we connect our need for creating, designing and communicating with the social aspect of knowing new people. We are interested in their opinion, needs and life experiences.
What makes a design successful?
Enthusiastic customers and recognition from the design experts and specialists.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Original design (to avoid plagiarism) and rules of Fair-trade - no child or underpaid work in the poor countries or wasting of matherials. We make sure that our materials (bovine leather) is from food farm animals where leather is a secondary raw material and not from animals dedicated to kill for their fur. The starting point for us has been a maximum of natural material.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The most important exhibition this year was during the Internation Fashion Weeks in Amsterdam 2019 where we had a great success. With this collection we participate at Design Days Reichenberg 2018 and Prague Design Week 2019, and we really enjoy our runway show in the beautiful interior of the Lucerna Hall in Prague (all events in Czech Republic).
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
We don't know.. As the famous Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal said: "It is in me as in the goat."
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
We live in Prague, the main city of the Czech Republic, which is well known for its unique architecture includes gothic and baroque. Our main benefit is the great culture which suround us, yet the con is the fact that as a small country we are facing the preference of friendship than the quality of the design. But maybe that is not challenge just a small countries but any closed society.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
The basic is to choose someone handfull and creative. But we hardly can suggest anyone to the big companies.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
At first there was nothing, just an idea. At the end we hold the finished handbag and we look forward to its journey in life. We play with animosity of used materials, we experiment with shapes and forms - not to mention the magical realm of colors, light and darkness. We take it all in, we shuffle it in our minds and initially we just shamelessly entrust a sheet of paper long before we dare to grab a incisor and to irreversibly define the future shape in the material. Then there’s only the pleasure of making. We have respect for natural materials and we also want to give them a new life. We feel how they speak to us and we want to share this experience with people who like it.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
At our atelier, our most favorite ones are the handmade iron coffe table, old medical cabinets around the walls, old boat lamp as a chandelier, amazing glass-stone drinking glasses from Czech designer Alena Matejka etc.
Can you describe a day in your life?
We enjoy every creative day in our lives.. And due to the lenght of our life we can really appreciate it :-)
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Don't take yourself too seriously - follow your creativity and share your happiness, we live only once.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
It doesn't matter what do you for living - it should be joyfull, fulfilling, creative and careful to your surrounding.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Creative original idea - and to try your every design on yourself!
What skills are most important for a designer?
Creativity, empathy and modesty - because those are the rarest skills in the world.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
All our time is dedicated to our designs - and we really enjoy it!
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
That depends - sometimes it takes dozens of minutes, sometime months :-)
What was your most important job experience?
Meetings with our customers enriche us, they are inspirational and often end up in a true friendship.
Who are some of your clients?
They are self-confident individuals with original thinking, looking for a playful, extravagant fashion accessory.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Nowadays, we celebrate the Bronze A'Design Award which is very valuable for us and think about our future challenges ;-)
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
We both design and work together as a team. This cooperation is very inspirational and interesting.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
We always have something in-progress :-). That is what we love the most about our work.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
We would like to add that a person, who can focus on a creative work of her/his own, is the most blessed person in the world.

Designer of the Day Interview with Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
For us is not important is we create a sculpture, picture or a design - the process of creation is the same. That is what enriches our lives since we can remember and we believe that that the culture, art and design can improve the world around us. And the world we live in really deserve this improvement. We didn't do this just for us - but also for our children and hopefully for childen of our children. That is very important - that is what we feel as a commitment.
How did you become a designer?
We have been friends since we’ve studied at the Secondary Arts School. Coincidentally, we met six years ago and joined forces under a new brand, Franco Arazzi, to design and sew handmade leather handbags - multibags. We both are artists for all our lives, Olina as a iron sculptor and Jitka as a graphic artist. So there was just a small step from art to the applied design.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
The most important aspects for us are the creativity, multifunctionality and the minimalistic design. The design process covers heads, hands, paper and pencil, scissors and sewing machine.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Freedom and happiness :-). Honestly, we enjoy the process of creation itself. It is a social extension and design therapy for us. We design andcreate something that is essentially ours, based on our experience and needs. We test each modelpersonally and investigate how to improve it, what to add, what to get rid of... We are surprised how the meetings with our customers enriche us. These meetings are both inspirational and often end up in a true friendship. Here we connect our need for creating, designing and communicating with the social aspect of knowing new people. We are interested in their opinion, needs and life experiences.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Why we try to "cure by design" and to convince the society that the otherness is correct. That good design enriches life. That fashion is supposed to be fun for all: for its creator, bearer, and for ordinary observer. We see design challenges in all life situations, whether they concern us directly or not. We have fun, enjoy and enrich our, and perhaps not only our, lives. There’s no reason to live in a gray world when there are so many colors around! Why bother with different trends or dictates when it is possible to freely create and go on your own path! Everything isjust a matter of personal choice - regardless of whether you are twenty or a hundred years old!
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Our every project is a realization of one of our dreams :-)Due to our age and experience we fully enjoy every project and we think that that is the best way how to live.Nowadays, we are shooting our collection in Venice and we are really enjoying that our collection Multibags Rebels just become our fulfilled dream!
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
We recommend the creativity, empathy and modesty - because those are the rarest skills in the world.The most important in life is the hard honest work which fill you with joy and happiness - awards and renome will come later if you will work with your heart.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Do your work honestly and with passion as well as you can. Then the results of your work will fulfill the rest of your life with happiness and joy - and that should be the main goal.
What is your day to day look like?
We enjoy every creative day in our lives - morning is dedicated to social media and communication with our customers and afternoons we spent by desinging of new models..
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
The good design should sets the trends not vice versa.We extremely enjoy the inventing of new models anywhere anytime - e.g. before felling asleep or waking up, but also during travelling or visiting galleries. We embrace any inspiration but we try to avoid following now-away fashion trends.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
The enthusiasm of your customers and recognition of design professional and experts.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
We test each model personally and investigate how to improve it, what to add, what to get rid of...
What is your biggest design work?
Our most favorite design is the collection Multibags Rebels, e.g. model Vagabondo and Ribelle. We enjoy the combination of multifunctionality and ropes with knots. Our ambition is to create multifunctional bags that will match with their owners and that will merge with their personalities and become part of their lives. We would like to inspire the owners to use multibags according their own fantasy - both for tying different knots and for further experimentation: the rope can be removed from the bag and used when you need to tie something; the bag itself can also be a seat or a pillow...
Who is your favourite designer?
We enjoy the good design from anyone but there are so many great designers that is really hard to name just one or two of them..
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
We live in Prague, the main city of the Czech Republic, which is well known for its unique architecture includes gothic and baroque. Culture itself is essential to our humanity.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
We believe in original design (to avoid plagiarism) and rules of Fair-trade - no child or underpaid work in the poor countries or wasting of matherials. We make sure that our materials (bovine leather) is from food farm animals where leather is a secondary raw material and not from animals dedicated to kill for their fur. The starting point for us has been a maximum of natural material.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Art and culture enriches and improves our lives. Exploring the design possibilities of objects that were created to carry things has brought up the issue of multi-functionality as well as creations for the physically challenged. In a special nonprofit project we created bags, handbags and backpacks especially for individuals with various types of physical disabilities according to their needs. Our latest nonprofit project focuses on the design of ‘bare head’ hats for women after chemotherapy.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The most important benefit for us was assessment of our collection and our approach to design by the international design experts. And we really appreciate the opportunity to enlarge the impact of our brand to the professional society.

Extended Interview with Olina Francova and Jitka Arazimova

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
We have been friends since we’ve studied at the Secondary Arts School. Coincidentally, we met six years ago and joined forces under a new brand, Franco Arazzi design studio, to design and sew multifunctional handmade leather handbags - Multibags.
How did you become a designer?
We both are artists for all our lives, Olina as a iron sculptor and Jitka as a graphic artist. So there was just a small step from art to the applied design.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
We are both artists and design is all around us - so the path to design was very open to us.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Our "rebellious" multibags are not subject to any fashion dictates – they are as free as their owners.They do not need to draw attention to the social status or the amount of the credit card. On the contrary, they should be an original complement and a functional subject for a self-confident "wearer" who wants to be different and is not afraid to step out of the crowd.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
We recommend the creativity, empathy and modesty - because those are the rarest skills in the world.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Creativity and functionality of the design and, of course, the enthusiasm of your customers.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Not everyone should invest into the design - only those who find happiness there. It is a great enrichment of our lives.
What is your day to day look like?
It is always important what and for who do you design - you can't do it blindly. In a special nonprofit project "Handibags" we created bags, handbags and backpacks especially for individuals with various types of physical disabilities according to their needs. Our latest nonprofit project "Chemohats" was focused on the design of ‘bare head’ hats for women after chemotherapy.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Our every project is a realization of one of our dreams :-) Due to our age and experience we fully enjoy every project and we think that this is the best way how to live.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
We enjoy the process of creation itself. It is a social extension and design therapy for us. We design and create something that is essentially ours, based on our experience and needs. We test each model personally and investigate how to improve it, what to add, what to get rid of... We are surprised how the meetings with our customers enriche us. These meetings are inspirational and often end up in a true friendship. Here we connect our need for creating, designing and communicating with the social aspect of knowing new people. We are interested in their opinion, needs and life experiences.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
If we should name a designer from Czech surrounding it would be Josiph Plecnik.
What is your biggest design work?
We enjoy the good design from anyone but there are so many great designers that is really hard to name just one or two of them..
Who is your favourite designer?
We don't want to enlight some single design. We believe that the best aspect of our design studio is the support and help in everyday life to those, who truly deserves the good design but due to their physical dissability they commonly can't reach it.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
We don't have an easy answer to that - everyone do the best as he/she could and only the time will show..
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design should not be only minimalistic, plain, clear and nice but it mainly should serve to its purpuse. Sometimes you can meet design just for design - but that is (especially in fashion) useless. That is the reason why we try every design ourselves to ensure that it is truly multifunctional in every way. What we seem as trouble is e.g. when men design shoes for women. They produce designs which they like to see on women but - due to fact that they can't or don't try it themselves - are those designs commonly very self-serving, practically unusable or even physically damaging. Prove of it can be misshapen feet of our mothers and grandmothers from shoes with narrow toe and high heels. Similar is it with huge and heavy handbags worn over forearms which can damage the vascular system.

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