What would a designer research to get ideas and
inspiration for a sustainable Art Deco style bag?
• Art deco – Shapes, colours, patterns.
• Bags – Popular shapes, size, styles, handles,
materials used, prices, fastenings, pockets,
what needs to be carried, possible production
methods
• Sustainability – Sustainable materials,
sustainable design, recycling, reducing.
Where would a designer look to find the
information required to design the bag.
Primary research
• Ask intended users from the target market –survey,
focus group
• Shops- bags currently available (comparative shop)
• Museums and Galleries
• Architecture
Secondary research
• Internet
• Library
• Media such as film and tv programs inspired by the era.
Art Deco designs and products for inspiration
Art deco – Shapes, colours, patterns.
Art Deco style
• How would you describe Art Deco style
products?
• What shapes and motifs characterise Art
Deco?
• What sort of colours are used for Art Deco
products?
Draw out 2 shapes associated with Art Deco
Art Deco style bags
Interesting bag designs for inspiration
Shape
Design 4 Art Deco themed bags
What features are inside a bag?
• Pockets
• Zipped pockets
• Compartments
How does the designer know what sort of
pockets and compartments to make?
How do they find out what will go in the bag?
How do they know what size to make the
pockets?
Handles
What does a designer need to consider when designing
handles for their bag?
Are the handles part of the actual design or an add on?
How many handles? No handles? A mix of both?
How long should the handles be? Should they be
adjustable?
Are they part of the bag or detachable?
What material are they made of?
How strong does the bag need to be and will this effect
the choice of handles?
What components are needed for the handles?
What does a bag need to do?
• Carry things – strong
• Protect things – Waterproof, padded, hardwearing,
durable fabric.
• Light enough to carry easily
• Keep it’s shape – non stretch
• Look good – fashionable, fit the theme
• Be sustainable
Materials used to make bags
Which fabrics meet these specification points?
• Woven fabrics – Non stretch, hardwearing
• Fibres
• Cotton
• Linen
• Silk
• Polyester
• Nylon
Which fabrics are suitable for the bag?
• Hardwearing fabrics – Cotton Drill, Ripstop nylon, plain weave linen.
• Decorative – Satin, velvet, lace.
• Strong and decorative – Brocade, Tweed, Denim
Components used on bags
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Buttons
Zips
Magnetic clasps
Heavyweight interfacing for stiffening sides.
Thread
Press studs
Lace trim
Beads
Sequins
Chain
Velcro
Fringing
Bias Binding
How to make the bag a sustainable
design/product
• Avoid using materials that damage the environment e.g.
some dyes and bleach etc... Chemicals are used in many
aspects of production e.g. fertilizers are used when cotton
is grown
• Reduce the amount of fabric and components used and
wasted. (Good design, planning and quality control)
• Use recycled materials and components
• Use fabrics that are biodegradable – cotton, linen, silk,
wool
• Use fabrics that are sustainable - cotton, linen, silk, wool
• Reduce packaging
• Reduce how far you transport the materials and finished
product – reduce pollution, reduce use of oil and petrol.
In the exam:
Read the question carefully and do exactly what it asks.
First two designs:
• Make sure you have two exciting ideas for an Art Deco
bag. Dull ideas = low marks
• Line drawings only for the first two small designs, do
them quickly but neatly.
• Annotate your designs with fabric types, components ,
decoration techniques and how you will make it a
sustainable design.
• Be able to explain why your best design will appeal to
your target market and how it meets the brief.
Exam paper
In the main design section:
• Look at the list of what marks are given for and make
sure you include something for each point.
• Bring a set of colouring pencils to the exam.
• Practise colouring in neatly with shading and colour
blending.
• Do an exploded section to show detail
• Show front, back and inside of bag on main design
• Annotate your designs with fabric types, components ,
decoration techniques, and how you will make it a
sustainable design.
• Use all the available space.
• If you can’t draw something explain it in the
annotations.