Abstract

Handbags have been an ever-present accessory in society for centuries, coming to symbolize not only fashion trends but status and femininity. They have evolved to hold extreme significance, being able to show a snapshot of who a woman is by taking a simple look inside. Purses have become a companion for consumers in many ways, accompanying them throughout important days and events, providing talking points, and even compliments for the user. However, these constant companions come at a cost. The fashion industry and the accessories produced within are an immense cause of environmental pollution. This provides an ever-present internal fight for the consumer in which sustainability and fashion concerns battle with one another for purchasing power. In seeking to create a consumer product that would provide an alternative to this vicious cycle of production and its resulting waste, the On-The-Go bag was born. A completely biodegradable handbag that still addresses the fashion needs of the consumer. The current market lacks products which combine these two ideals, tending to either focusing on environmental impact or style. Using locally sourced wool as the base material with vegetable-tanned leather accents allows this bag to be completely composted at home after its decades-long life as a bag. Principles of slow fashion are explored to further increase sustainability and long-term impacts of the bag. The findings of this research support and address the prevalent issues of sustainability in numerous ways through a low production number, no chemical processes, and the ability to return nutrients to the earth at the end of a product’s life. The On-The-Go bag enters the fashion market in direct opposition to current practices, hoping to give more sustainable purchasing power to consumers.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Handbags--Design and construction--Environmental aspects; Biodegradable products--Design and construction; Sustainable design

Publication Date

5-8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Melissa Dawson

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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