Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane by Ana Golubic Brozovic is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Izisetshenziswa Competition Category.
IbhulonziIzisetshenziswa· 2025
Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane
Client: Ana Golubic Brozovic
Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Izisetshenziswa Category
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The Design
About Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane
Umklamo onomsebenzi omningi ococelwe esimweni esicacile nesilula yilokho okwenza isikhwama somhlane i-Onyx sibe siyingqayizivele futhi singapheli. I-Onyx yenziwe ngobuchwepheshe ngesikhumba esibushelelezi futhi ayinamininingwane engeziwe enzima. Maphakathi nendawo engunxande kunoziphu olandela ubude bonke besikhwama somhlane. Izibambo ezimbili ezilungisekayo zibekwe ngobuchule futhi zingaphendulwa ukuze uziphu ubheke emuva komuntu osigqokile. Ngale ndlela ukungena esikhwameni somhlane kuya kuba yimfihlo futhi kuvikelekile. Isikhwama somhlane siba ubhalu omncane ovikelekile nophepha.
The Recognition
About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award
Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Onyx Isikhwama Somhlane iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Onyx, the minimalist style backpack, represents timeless design. Simple lines accentuate and pay respect to the beauty of high quality leather material. There are no heavy details, only functional design solutions. In the centre of rectangular shell is a zipper that follows the whole length of the backpack. Two adjustable handles are strategically placed and can be turned so that the zipper faces the back of the person wearing it.This way entrance into the backpack becomes hidden and protected.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Dimensions of ONYX are: Width 300 mm, Depth 70 mm, Height 400 mm. Two longer handles are adjustable in length: 500 - 1100 mm. Short handle is 300 mm long.
- Tags
- backpack, bag, simplicity, multifunctional, minimal design, raw material, leather, vegan leather, responsible, long lasting, eternal, fair made, safe
- Production Technology
- In production we put our biggest efforts into creating as little waste as possible, 0% is our goal. That is why cut has to be thought thru very carefully. Onyx cut is simple: two rectangular pieces for the shell, two long and one short stripe for the handles. Shell is padded with heavy cotton lining which has two small pockets. All these pieces are flexible and can easily be fit into the material so there is almost no waste. Onyx comes in real leather or eco, vegan leather version.
- Design Challenge
- I had an idea what the backpack should look like, I also knew how I want to make it multifunctional. It had to be practical and also look nice. Outside features were as equally important as inside performances and durability. Designing and prototype production was first challenge. Next challenge I faced was finding high quality leather, and last one was finding small family production willing to produce it. When all those challenges were met and successfully fulfilled, Onyx was ready for public.
- Research
- Multifunctional, minimal design that gives more than eye can see is easily adapted into many styles. By removing all unnecessary details, what we have left is pure, simple design with accent on the raw material. I can choose if I want to make the big zipper visible and part of the design or I can hide it and leave only material and connecting stich to be seen. This is not just a visual decision it is also the one regarding safety of my belongings.
- Inspiration
- During everyday comute on public transport or while traveling abroad, I was often faced with safety of personal belongings. Backpack is always my first choice regarding the type of bag I carry around. It keeps my hands free, it is practical, it sits carefree on my back. Which is also a problem because its opening is out of my sight. That is how the idea of "hidden" zipper came to my mind. And it had to be packed into stylish, minimal design which adapts easily into many fashion styles.
- Project Duration
- The project started June 2024 and was finalised in July 2024, in Cakovec, Croatia.
- Operation Flow
- Multifunctional designs have always been my passion, and when they are supported by high quality materials and made in nature and human friendly environment, they become eternal. They live forever. Onyx is not only a backpack, it is also a safe little cave for all our daily necessities. He is our loyal companion in everyday life from work to casual stroll, from sightseeing to evening in the club. Onyx is not just a bag, it is important and precious addition to our lifestyle.
- Image Credits
- Image #No 1: Photographer Mare Milin, Komad Collection, 2018., Images #No 2 - #No 5: Photographer Tomislav Brozović, Onyx, 2025.
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