Silver Fashion and Travel Accessories Design · 2020
Topographic Tote Tote Bag
by Ho Kuan Teck
- A' Design Award 2020 Silver Winner in Fashion and Travel Accessories Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: MyurÂ
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 52,070
- Verification code 9056179FBF · Verify this award
About Topographic Tote Tote Bag
Topographic inspired design tote bag, to serve as an easy carryall, especially during those busy days spent shopping or running errands. The Tote bag capacity is like a mountain and can hold or carry many things. The oracle bone is form the overall structure of the bag, the topographic map form to be surface material just like a mountain uneven surface.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Totepographic is an inspired design tote bag. Crafted in premium Italian calf leather and treated to last for years of wear, the spacious interior compartments are lined with suede fabric that is soft to the touch, and creates a luxuries feeling. Its aesthetic is shape and spacious, to serve as an easy carryall, especially during those busy days spent shopping or running errands. The Totepographic bag capacity is like a mountain and can hold or carry many things.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Length: 42 cm, Height: 26cm, Width: 14 cm Handle
height: 18.5cm - Tags
- Tote bag, accessory, handmade, elegant, stylish, luxurious
- Production Technology
- Totepographic is handmade in Singapore with a traditional artisan way to sampling and produce. All panels are hand cut, bonded and stitch. The raw edges are painted by hand with a semi-gloss polymer for durability and aesthetic purposes. A environmental - friendly linen thread is used for strength and longevity.
- Design Challenge
- There was no easy way to create a Totepographic with few sketches and also it can't translate well with paper mock-up. It took a lot more development time and test than common bag does, especially at the mock-up session. 3D software is help a lot in develop this bag, I can refine and test the result quickly in the software and it's more productive than traditional way to making this bag design and I can spot out the error in short time.
- Project Duration
- From design concept and production of Totepographic is started in July 2019 and was completed in May 2020. The product is for sale online through the Myura brand website, and pop-up event in Singapore.
- Operation Flow
- Totepographic is highly functional in its geometrical shape and yet, reflects a secretive and unique fashion style. Primarily used as a fashion accessory for easy carrying belongings while traveling during the day and night.
- Research
- I have designed many bags and I have learned how to compile market research, how to develop my designs and construction techniques with traditional way, communicate with suppliers to made special material to fulfill the design needs. Most importantly, how to evaluate the designs from the perspective of the consumer yet it reflect the lifestyle that interacts with nature in the most direct way
- Inspiration
- I love nature and always have a though to make a bag relate to nature and environment. I always believe the design is relate to life and nature, therefore the Totepographic is being design. This tote bag is inspired from topographic and Chinese oracle bones "mountain". In combination with topographic and ancient word to form a wearable tote bag. It's conceptualized with Chinese ancient word and puts the topographic element into the design style. Black is to represent minerals element it also make the bag more secretive, and people will slowly discover the texture of the bag.
- Image Credits
- Kuan Teck Ho, 2020.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Kuan Teck Ho, 2020
Colors of Topographic Tote Tote Bag
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Handcrafted Luxury Leather Bags
We create exceptional leather accessories inspired by nature's forms. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in Singapore using premium Italian calf leather and traditional artisan techniques. Our award-winning designs combine innovative aesthetics with timeless elegance.
G0E26 ShopDesign Interview about Topographic Tote Tote Bag
The main principle behind the Totepographic Tote is to connect fashion with nature and culture. It is inspired by topographic maps and the Chinese oracle bone character for "mountain," combining these elements into a functional and artistic tote bag. The black color represents minerals in nature, symbolizing hidden beauty and discovery.
The focus was to create a bag that is not only practical and durable but also serves as a bridge between traditional culture and modern lifestyles. I aimed to evoke curiosity and appreciation for the subtle details of the design while ensuring it meets the functional needs of daily life.
The Totepographic Tote will continue to be available through Myura's online platform and exclusive pop-up events. I also plan to explore potential collaborations with art exhibitions and fashion shows to reach a broader audience.
The design and production process took approximately 11 months, starting in July 2019 and completing in May 2020.
This design was driven purely by inspiration. My love for nature and the idea of blending cultural elements into functional design motivated me to create the Totepographic Tote.
The Totepographic Tote is produced and sold exclusively through my brand, Myura. At this time, I do not plan to sell or lease the production rights.
My passion for blending fashion with meaningful cultural and natural elements inspired me to create this tote bag. I wanted to design something that represents my artistic vision while serving a practical purpose.
While there were no direct influences from other designers, my work is inspired by the natural forms and textures of topographic maps, as well as ancient Chinese calligraphy and cultural motifs.
The target customers are individuals who value high-quality craftsmanship, unique design, and the integration of cultural and natural elements in fashion accessories.
Its integration of topographic elements and ancient Chinese characters into a modern, functional tote bag sets it apart. The attention to detail, hand-painted edges, and luxurious materials create a tactile experience that is both functional and artistic.
The name "Totepographic" is a fusion of "tote" and "topographic," reflecting the bag’s inspiration from topographic maps. It represents the connection between nature and functionality.
I used a combination of traditional sketching, paper mock-ups, and 3D design software to refine the bag's concept. The 3D software was especially useful for testing and optimizing the design.
The unique aspect lies in its seamless blend of cultural history, nature, and modern functionality, embodied in the topographic-inspired texture and the Chinese oracle bone character integration.
The design and production process were handled in-house, but I collaborated with material suppliers to develop custom materials that suited the design’s requirements.
Technology, particularly 3D design software, played a critical role in visualizing, testing, and refining the concept. It allowed me to identify and address potential design issues early in the process.
The design was influenced by market research and consumer behavior analysis. I studied trends in bag functionality and aesthetics, ensuring the design aligns with both practical needs and artistic preferences.
One major challenge was translating the complex concept into a tangible product. Traditional mock-ups were insufficient to capture the design’s details, so I relied heavily on 3D software to overcome this hurdle.
I wanted to share my vision with a global audience and gain recognition for my work. The A' Design Award provides a platform to showcase the unique fusion of art, culture, and functionality in my designs.
This project taught me to balance tradition with innovation. I learned to utilize technology effectively while maintaining the integrity of traditional craftsmanship.
The Totepographic Tote is more than just a bag; it is a statement about the harmony between nature, culture, and design. It reflects my commitment to sustainable, meaningful, and innovative fashion.
Grand Interview about Topographic Tote Tote Bag
The inspiration came from blending natural landscapes with ancient culture. This creative journey began with a fascination for natural terrains, particularly the structure and layers of mountains. To add cultural depth, I incorporated symbols from Chinese oracle bones, creating a dialogue between humanity and nature, history and the modern era. This unique fusion conveys an interweaving of time and space through the design of the tote bag.
The handcrafted techniques of cutting and edge painting add an artistic touch to the tote, making the texture closer to the nature-inspired theme. Traditional craftsmanship brings each detail to life, creating a one-of-a-kind texture and echoing the diversity of nature. This process enhances the material quality, connecting the design more deeply with nature and providing both visual and tactile appeal.
The idea of mountainous capacity symbolizes vastness and inclusiveness, and I wanted to translate this concept into an accessory that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Inspired by the grand structure of mountains, this design strikes a balance between practicality and beauty, meeting everyday needs while showcasing the unique taste of the user.
Using 3D software for initial designs allowed me to quickly test the structure and form, and then traditional mock-ups provided a feel for the real-world textures. The combination of digital and analog methods let me explore bold shapes while ensuring the quality of the final product, achieving an ideal balance and refinement in details.
Italian calf leather was chosen for its soft yet durable quality, and its texture works well to represent the layered topographic effect. The choice of material is rooted in its premium and lasting qualities, embodying luxury while enhancing the natural aesthetic appeal of the design.
Black represents the stability and depth of minerals, giving the tote a sense of exploration. The understated black allows the user to gradually discover details over time, making the tote a part of their life journey, offering a deepened experience with continued use.
During the extensive development, a crucial breakthrough was finding the ideal structural design that would allow the topographic patterns to emerge naturally without compromising functionality. Fine-tuning the color and texture was also a key phase, ensuring the tote’s visual appeal while retaining its practicality.
My design philosophy is a fusion of nature, functionality, and luxury. This tote design goes beyond being an accessory, reflecting a lifestyle that integrates the textures of nature with high-end enjoyment, offering the user an enriching experience in daily life.
The suede lining creates a unique tactile experience, adding an element of surprise when the user opens the tote. This sensory design choice enhances the overall texture of the bag, making it feel closer to the user in use.
Future collections will continue this nature-inspired design language, bringing elements like mountains and minerals into more accessory styles. I plan to explore different materials and techniques, creating richer natural aesthetics and offering users fresh sensory experiences.