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Olka: Handcrafted Non-Stitched Leather Bag

Maryam Hosseini's Olka is a non-stitched, modular leather bag inspired by the Iranian youth's desire for a better life through migration. The bag's name, "Olka," meaning homeland in Persian, reflects the emotional journey of Iranian immigrants. The bag's unique design, with 54 interlocked cow genuine leather pieces, showcases the strength and resilience found in the face of adversity. The bag's dimensions are 220 x 220 x 80 mm, with a handle made of walnut wood.

The innovative non-stitched design of Olka sets it apart from traditional leather bags. The modular leather pieces are interlocked, allowing for faster production and easy repair or customization. Each slit in the leather, created using laser cutting, symbolizes the potential for growth and beauty in the midst of pain and change. The bag also comes with an inner handcrafted bag, made from cow genuine leather, which can be used separately as a minimal crossbody bag.

The creation of Olka involved extensive research in interlocking and modular systems, consumer behavior, and do-it-yourself products. The design process included addressing technical challenges to ensure the strength and integrity of the interlocked components, as well as the feasibility of delivering the bag in separate pieces for user assembly.

Maryam Hosseini's Olka represents a fusion of art, science, design, and technology, earning recognition for its creativity and contribution to improving quality of life. The bag's innovative approach to craftsmanship and its meaningful inspiration from the Iranian migration experience have garnered it the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2024.

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