Three Worlds

Handbags for Fi by Gaja

The Three Worlds One Heart handbag collection explores the intersection of heritage storytelling and modern design. The handbags are developed as narrative objects, translating cultural influences from three regions into patterns, forms and color palettes. Crafted from plant based leather alternatives and printed natural textiles, each handbag balances functionality with emotional depth. The collection emphasizes timeless design, local production and the role of the handbag as a personal carrier of memory and movement.

Download Press Kit № 178374

Download Press Kit № 178374 Handbags for Fi by Gaja by Gaja Hanzel to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Three Worlds by Gaja Hanzel

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Handbags by Gaja Hanzel

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Gaja Hanzel Three Worlds

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Gaja Hanzel Handbags

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Gaja Hanzel Designer Portrait Photo

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Unique Properties

The Three Worlds One Heart handbag collection is based on a biographical design concept translating personal histories from three countries into functional objects. Each model reflects the distinct lifestyles of three sisters: a travel companion, a compact everyday bag, a market drawstring tote, and a vintage inspired silhouette for day and evening use. Three original prints, rooted in memory and cultural heritage, appear on exterior or lining. The series comprises four handbags in three color variations, combining narrative depth, functionality, and lasting emotional value.

Tags

bag design, pattern design, cultural heritage, women's handbag, timeless design, original prints

Production Technology

The project applies a narrative driven design methodology, transforming biographical research into functional products. Textile patterns were developed combining hand-drawn motifs and digital refinement, forming a cohesive visual system inspired by cultural heritage, landscapes, and personal memories. Bags are crafted from cotton and apple waste leather alternative featuring original digital prints. Each form was refined through prototyping and structural testing, resulting in balanced proportions and functional clarity, with shapes inspired by each bag’s intended use and the region where the sisters lived.

Design Challenge

The main challenge was translating intimate family narratives and diverse cultural contexts into a cohesive and contemporary handbag designs while maintaining functional clarity. Developing original prints that respectfully reflect three cultural environments required extensive research into heritage, symbols and color language. Additional challenges included technical limitations of materials, local production, and pattern scalability, which demanded iterative experimentation to ensure functional, durable, and ethically produced designs.

Project Duration

The project began in June 2025 in Gorizia, Italy and ended in November 2025 in Sezana, Slovenia. It was exhibited at the local cultural center in Slovenia.

Operation Flow

The collection offers versatile carrying options for everyday use. Two models feature adjustable and removable straps, allowing shoulder, crossbody, or hand carry. The two larger bags provide ample space for personal items. Textile patterns appear on the exterior for some bags and as lining for others, creating a visual surprise. Each design balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, adapting effortlessly to different occasions and styling needs.

Research

This project is based on qualitative, practice led design research. The objective was to explore how family history, regional cultural heritage, and everyday lifestyles can inform contemporary handbag forms and textile patterns. The research translated personal and regional narratives using visual research, cultural analysis, original print development, material testing and prototyping. Data came from archives, family narratives, field visits, and photography. Results produced cohesive patterns and functional forms, translating memory, culture, and daily life into versatile handbags.

Inspiration

The handbags originate from an intimate family narrative, inspired by the life stories of three sisters, including my grandmother, whose lives unfolded across three countries: Slovenia, Croatia and North Macedonia. Their stories initiated an indepth research process into personal memories, cultural heritage and architectural forms, which shaped the overall designs and original prints, translating memories and cultural identity into a cohesive visual language.

Image Credits

Image #No 1, 4, 5 : Photographer Dominique Pozzo, Three Worlds, 2025 Image #No 2, 3 : Photographer Gaja Hanzel, Three Worlds, 2025

Project Overview

Three Worlds Handbags has been a Iron winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Gaja Hanzel was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Three Worlds Handbags.

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