Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi by Darekabarai UG

Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi by Darekabarai UG is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Izisetshenziswa Competition Category.

InsimbiIzisetshenziswa· 2025

Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi

by Darekabarai UG

Client: Jonde

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Izisetshenziswa Category

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Colors

The Design

About Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi

Lesi sikhwama sesivalo esiguquguqukayo sihlanganisa ngokuphelele ukusebenziseka nobuhle, sinikeza ukuvikelwa nokuthuthwa okulula kwezinto zakho zokufunda. Ingaphandle inamaphakhethi aguquguqukayo ezinto ezincane ezibalulekile nesikhwama semali esincane, kuyilapho ingaphakathi ibamba ngokuphephile izinhlobonhlobo zamafomu ngebhande eliguquguqukayo nephakhethi elingaphambili elilungiselwe lokho. Siphelele ngombambi wopeni nesibonisi sekhasi esihlanganisiwe, siguquka kalula sisuka esikhumeni sehlombe siye esigubhini esibushelelezi. Senziwe ngesikhumba sama-apula esiqhubekayo, umklamo ubonisa ukuzibophezela ekuqakathekeni kwesimanje nasekuzibopheleni emvelweni.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Jonde Isikhwama Sesivalo Sencwadi iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube yindawo engcono.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Moeko Kakizoe, 2024
Team Members: Moeko Kakizoe
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