Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed by Gaja Hanzel

Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed by Gaja Hanzel is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Abaalmarinta Birta ah ee A' Design Award in Naqshadeynta Alaabta Fashaniga iyo Safarka Competition Category.

BirAlaab Dheeraad· 2026

Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed

by Gaja Hanzel

Abaalmarinta Birta ah ee A' Design Award Winner in Alaab Dheeraad Category

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Colors

The Design

About Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed

Book Text: Ururinta boorsooyinka gacmeed ee Saddexda Dunyo Hal Qalbi waxay sahamisaa isgoysyada sheekada dhaxalka iyo naqshadaynta casriga ah. Boorsooyinka gacmeed waxaa loo sameeyay sida walxo sheeko-yaqaan ah, oo turjumaya saameynta dhaqameed ee saddex gobol una beddela naqshado, qaabab iyo midabyo isku dhafan. Iyagoo laga sameeyay beddelka maqaarka ee dhirta ku salaysan iyo dharka dabiiciga ah ee daabacan, boorsada gacmeed kastaa waxay isku dheellitirtaa shaqaynta iyo qoto-dheerida shucuureed. Ururintu waxay xoogga saartaa naqshad aan waqti dhicin, wax-soo-saarka maxalliga ah iyo doorka boorsada gacmeed sida sida gaaeeye shaqsi ah oo xusuusta iyo dhaqdhaqaaqa qaada.

The Recognition

About the Abaalmarinta Birta ah ee A' Design Award

Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed waa guuleystaha Abaalmarinta Birta ah ee A' Design Award, aqoonsi sharaf leh oo la siiyo naqshado wanaagsan oo buuxiya shuruudaha xirfadeed iyo kuwa warshadeed ee laga filayo hal-abuurro si wanaagsan loo naqshadeeyay. Guuleystayaasha Birta waxay muujiyaan xirfad weyn, takhasus sare, fahan khabiir iyo awood hal-abuur oo abuurayaashooda. Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed waa hal-abuur la filayo inuu noqdo mid aad loo tixgeliyo, la ixtiraamo oo la jecel yahay, wax ku ool ah oo cusub. Naqshadahan ku guuleystay Abaalmarinta Birta ah ee A' Design Award wuxuu isku daraa hab-dhaqannada ugu wanaagsan warshadda wuxuuna leeyahay sifooyin farsamo oo karti leh oo ku xiran aqoon iyo hibo. Dhammaystirkeeda awgeed, Three Worlds Primary Function: Boorsooyin Gacmeed waa mudan ixtiraam, waxaana loo naqshadeeyay inay keento hagaajin nololeed oo ka caawisa in adduunka laga dhigo meel ka wanaagsan.

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