100% BANANA UPCYCLED BAGDESIGN Accessory design “New material research ” Supervisor: Sobón Magdalena Foto: Gábor Szabó Lódz 2019
DESIGN PROJEC TS
Slow fashion may be considered a revolt or action against the fast fashion movement. Developing an accessory or garment with a cultural or emotional connection is also the purpose of it, utilizing materials that are already made, and reuse it, using natural resources and sustainable design. In consideration of this philosophy, I created the 100% BANANA bag collection which is based on material innovation. During a four month period by experiencing different ways of working with banana fibre I was searching for the result, which offers me the ready to use material. The organic banana fibre is produced from the „PSEUDO STEM ‚’, the most optional part of the trunk for reuse. In most of the cases, this part is burned after one year, because banana trees produce fruit only once a year, leaving abundant waste or by-product. Recycling the fibre from this by-product into new compositions, helps to prevent
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the forests becoming polluted by waste, and also creates a natural material for creative use. The developed material is strong, waterproof and natural. From the ready and operational banana material, I designed a tree piece bag collection. The collection is not only focusing on the usage of this new composition, but for a functional form, which enhances the quality of the collection. I am convinced that there is a big opportunity about any kind of new and sustainable materials. On one hand it gives us a new sustainable medium, on the other hand as a natural material contributes to human and ecological health. Banana fibre properties Highly strong fiber, mixes well with other fibers to form composites, lightweight, biodegradable, rapidly renewable, water-resistant, flame-resistant.