Iron Fashion and Travel Accessories Design · 2025
Jonde Book Cover Bag
- A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Fashion and Travel Accessories Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Jonde
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 30,571
- Verification code 85A8514642 · Verify this award
About Jonde Book Cover Bag
This adaptable cover bag seamlessly blends practicality and elegance, offering protection and easy transport for your reading materials. The exterior features versatile pockets for small essentials and a mini wallet, while the interior securely holds various formats with an elastic band and tailored front pocket. Complete with a pen holder and integrated bookmark, it effortlessly transitions from a shoulder bag to a sleek pouch. Made from sustainable apple leather, the design reflects a commitment to modern luxury and environmental responsibility.
Moeko Kakizoe's Jonde Book Cover Bag engages the evolving design discourse surrounding portable literary accessories and the contemporary resurgence of tangible reading culture within an increasingly digital information landscape, this dual-component accessory system responds to the sustained cultural appreciation for physical books and the particular rituals of analog reading while addressing the practical challenges of transporting bound volumes safely and stylishly, the cognac-brown leather wallet component demonstrates classical vegetable-tanning techniques producing the characteristic warm terra-cotta hue that develops rich patina through use and exposure, the topstitching detail visible along construction seams signals hand-crafted quality and durational design philosophy oriented toward lasting utility rather than disposable consumption, the adjustable shoulder strap with quality metal findings suggests versatile wearing options accommodating different body types and carrying preferences, the midnight-navy zippered book cover case presents a more protective enclosure system scaled to accommodate standard trade paperback or hardcover dimensions, the interior organization visible through the opened zipper reveals a thoughtful spatial architecture with diagonal securing strap preventing the book from shifting during transport while the integrated pen holder suggests note-taking readiness and the marriage of reading with active intellectual engagement, the decision to present both accessories atop artificial grass rather than conventional seamless backdrop or lifestyle context photograph introduces an element of playful conceptual tension, synthetic nature evoking outdoor reading scenarios while the controlled studio lighting maintains product clarity and commercial functionality, this staging choice suggests the accessories enable literary mobility beyond domestic interiors, positioning reading as an activity compatible with park visits, outdoor cafes, travel contexts, and natural settings, the chromatic relationships between warm leather, cool textile, metallic hardware, and verdant ground establish visual interest through temperature contrast and material diversity while maintaining cohesive restraint appropriate to refined accessory design, the compositional diagonal from upper-left wallet to lower-right book case guides viewer attention through a narrative sequence suggesting complete carry system for the mobile reader, the craftsmanship evident in stitching precision, hardware selection, and material quality positions these accessories within traditions of fine leather goods and thoughtful industrial design rather than fast-fashion accessory categories, one might observe how these objects celebrate the enduring tactile pleasures of physical books and the cultural identity many readers maintain through visible literary engagement, the accessories transform the practical challenge of book transport into an opportunity for personal expression and a gentle assertion that sustained reading remains central to contemporary intellectual life, viewers familiar with commuter culture, travel reading habits, or outdoor leisure might recognize these accessories as solutions to the specific friction points that discourage taking books beyond home environments, the protection offered by the zippered case addresses concerns about weather exposure or damage during transit while the compact wallet provides organized carry for essential items alongside the larger book case, together the system suggests a designer attentive to actual user patterns and the small obstacles that shape daily behavior, what narratives might these accessories enable about the integration of contemplative reading into active lifestyles, and how do material choices and construction quality themselves argue for valuing durational objects and the sustained attention practices they support?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design offers portability and protection, ideal for reading enthusiasts. The exterior has multifunctional pockets for small items and a mini wallet. Inside, an elastic band and tailored pocket securely hold both softcover and hardcover publications. The pen holder and integrated bookmark add convenience, while sustainable apple leather provides luxury and eco-consciousness. This design combines functionality and modern style, ensuring durability and environmental responsibility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- L: 23 x 15 x 4.5cm
M: 23 x 15 x 4.5cm
removable and adjustable strap
Double zippers closure
Exterior snap-closure pocket x1
Exterior zipper pocket with 2 card slots inside x1
Flat pocket on one side of the main compartment for storing the front cover of a book
Elastic band on the other side of the main compartment for securing the back cover of a book
Bookmark
Pen holder
Jonde logo
Made from apple leather - Tags
- bag, book, bookcover, reading, shoulder bag, read, clutch, book cover, cross body bag
- Production Technology
- This bag is made from apple leather, a sustainable material crafted from discarded apple skins and cores. These byproducts are combined with a bio based resin, creating a durable, eco conscious material aligned with reducing environmental impact. The design includes multifunctional pockets and elastic bands, developed through user research. Each bag is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring a high quality finish that balances functionality with luxury.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this project was not only finding a factory to process apple leather, but also navigating the limitations of sustainable materials in terms of production capabilities. While apple leather is an eco friendly option, few manufacturers offer processing services. This was an external challenge due to limited technological availability. Internally, balancing aesthetics with durability was another creative hurdle, as I aimed to maintain both quality and sustainability in the final design.
- Project Duration
- The concept for this project was conceived in 2022, with the first prototype exhibited at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2023. The product is scheduled for launch in September 2024.
- Operation Flow
- Place your favorite book in the main compartment, whether it is a novel, manga, or paperback. The built in bookmark lets you easily return to your page. With a pen holder, you can jot down notes on the go. The three sided zipper keeps the book securely protected. There is also a zippered pocket that functions as a mini wallet with space for coins and cards, plus a snap pocket for small items or a phone. You can go out with just this bag.
- Research
- The research involved visiting bookstores and libraries to observe various book sizes and the behavior of avid readers. Feedback was collected from customers at the Frankfurt exhibition, providing valuable insights. Additionally, I personally tested the product multiple times, refining the design to address any inconvenience. This process helped improve functionality and user experience.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for this design came from the desire to protect books while on the go without causing any damage. I often noticed that when carrying books in a backpack, the corners would bend, leading to wear and tear. This drove me to create a solution that was both protective and portable. Moreover, seeing people read during their busy commute or while waiting for public transportation inspired me to design a cover that could be easily accessed during those moments. Using apple leather, a material derived from recycled apple skins, aligns with my belief in sustainability and responsible consumption.
- Image Credits
- Image 1: Photographer Moeko Kakizoe, Book Cover Bag front 2024.
Image 2: Photographer Moeko Kakizoe, Book Cover Bag back 2024.
Image 3: Photographer Moeko Kakizoe, Book Cover Bag pocket detail 2024.
Image 4: Photographer Moeko Kakizoe, Book Cover Bag wallet detail 2024.
Image 5: Photographer Moeko Kakizoe, Book Cover Bag - Patents
- Copyrights belong to Moeko Kakizoe, 2024
Colors of Jonde Book Cover Bag
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Design Interview about Jonde Book Cover Bag
The core idea behind the Jonde Book Cover Bag was to create a wearable reading experience for book lovers. The initial inspiration came from observing people reading on cruise ship decks. I wanted to design something that allows readers to carry their favorite books gracefully without bending the corners, while also incorporating functionality—such as card and coin storage—into a piece with minimalist aesthetics.
My primary focus was usability in everyday life. I wanted to create a design that not only protects books securely and is easy to carry, but also offers practical value beyond visual appeal. In particular, I aimed to enrich quiet moments of reading—whether during a commute or while traveling—by offering a companion item that supports that experience.
The Jonde Book Cover Bag is currently being introduced in selected markets across Europe. Our aim is to reach niche audiences who appreciate slow living and sustainable design. In the future, I hope to collaborate with literary festivals and book fairs to promote the concept of a "wearable reading experience" and engage directly with the reading community.
The initial idea came together in just a few days, but it took around six months of prototyping and material research, followed by another twelve months of refining the design. Since I was working with a new material—apple leather—it took additional time to understand its properties and limitations.
This was a self-initiated project born from a personal need. I had long felt it was difficult to carry my favorite books without damaging them. Since nothing like this existed on the market, I decided to create what I had always wanted myself. In Japan, bookstores often provide paper book covers when purchasing a book, but I began to question the sustainability of using disposable paper each time. Fabric covers, on the other hand, come in varying sizes, which often means buying new ones for different books. I wanted to solve this problem with a more practical and eco-conscious solution.
At the moment, I produce and distribute the Jonde Book Cover Bag independently through my own brand. I prefer to maintain full creative and ethical control, especially because sustainability is a core value of the project. However, I remain open to potential collaborations or licensing opportunities with partners who share the same values.
I’ve always been passionate about both reading and design. I saw an opportunity to merge the two by solving a personal pain point. I wanted to create something that doesn’t just hold a book but enhances the entire reading ritual—making it more mobile, elegant, and aligned with sustainable living.
There were no specific designers or existing works that directly influenced this project. Instead, the process began with a search for sustainable materials. Once I discovered apple leather—a material that perfectly matched my values and design goals—the concept began to take shape around it. In that sense, the material itself was the inspiration and starting point for the design.
The target audience includes book lovers, travelers, and professionals who value both aesthetics and sustainability. I aim to appeal to anyone who enjoys mindful living and wants to carry their books with care and style.
What sets the Jonde Book Cover Bag apart is its hybrid nature—it’s not just a book cover, nor merely a bag. It is a wearable reading experience, combining practical features like card slots and coin storage with thoughtful design tailored to book dimensions. Its use of apple leather also reinforces its uniqueness in both material and message.
The name “Jonde” may look abstract at first, but when pronounced with a German accent, it sounds like “読んで (yon-de)” in Japanese, which means “Please read!” This playful cross-lingual coincidence perfectly captures the spirit of the product—an invitation to carry and enjoy books wherever you go.
I designed the Jonde Book Cover Bag entirely by hand. Sketching by hand allows me to think intuitively and directly connect with the tactile experience I want to deliver. The shapes and proportions were developed through manual iteration and real-world testing.
The most unique aspect is that it transforms a book cover into a wearable, functional accessory without compromising its original purpose. It blends multiple roles—book cover, wallet, pouch, and bag—into one harmonious item. Its form respects the proportions of real books, and the use of apple leather adds both a sustainable message and a distinct texture.
I collaborated closely with skilled leather craftsmen and patternmakers to bring the concept to life. Their expertise was essential in working with apple leather, which behaves differently from traditional materials. I also consulted with sustainability advisors to ensure that the production aligned with eco-conscious values.
Technology played a subtle but important role in material selection and development. The use of apple leather—an innovative and sustainable material made from apple waste—is a result of technological advancement in material science. Although the design process itself was mostly analog, the product embodies a modern blend of craftsmanship and eco-innovation.
The design was shaped more by ethnographic observation and real-world feedback than by statistical data. In 2022, I exhibited an early prototype at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where I received valuable input from a diverse group of visitors, including book lovers, publishers, and designers. Their feedback helped me refine the usability, proportions, and material details of the bag. I also observed how people carry books in daily life and gathered insights from common frustrations such as bent corners and lack of storage.
One major challenge was working with apple leather, which behaves differently from traditional animal leather. It required experimenting with stitching, edge finishing, and structural reinforcement. Another challenge was ensuring the design could accommodate both softcover and hardcover books without compromising usability or elegance.
I wanted to test the value of my idea on a global stage and connect with an international audience that shares an appreciation for thoughtful design. A' Design Award stood out to me as a platform that recognizes both innovation and craftsmanship, and I believed it would be a meaningful opportunity to share the story behind the product.
This project taught me the importance of patience and material sensitivity. I learned how deeply design and ethics can be connected—especially when working with sustainable materials. I also realized that small design decisions can greatly affect emotional resonance and user experience, which will guide my work going forward.
What I’d like to emphasize is that this design is not just about carrying books—it’s about valuing quiet moments in our increasingly noisy lives. I believe design has the power to shape habits, and I hope this piece invites people to slow down, disconnect from distractions, and reconnect with themselves through reading.