Missty's DYOB project

[missty4]

Hi all,

I got some correspondence from the HH team and thought I'd update you all on the status of the project. It's pretty much the same as it was before (back to the old drawing board). I created this thread hoping to receive input along the way and am open to thoughts/harsh criticism (lol). It's still something of my own, so don't feel bad if I run off in the corner in the darkness and disappear for a while when I brainstorm, hehe.

As for now, I'll post some emails that went between HH and I. I'm kinda bummed about not being able to create the design of the lining, and am wondering if I should push for it more if I'm really excited about doing it (don't want to be a difficult person to deal with though...)

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Hi, Thuy-

I would like to congratulate you on your winning bid for Hayden-Harnett’s design-a-bag contest!
We’re ready to get started whenever you are, so let me give you a few contact #’s and emails...I also
need a little bit of information from you so we can get started.

Info that I’d like to get from you to begin the design process:

-Would you like to be involved in the sketching process? If so, please email us a scanned sketch of your “dream bag”.
We will then translate your sketch into technical specs that you sign off on before we make the bag.

-If you don’t wish to sketch, we are happy to do this step for you! We just need for you to describe through words and photos what your dream bag would look like. We will then send you sketches to look at and approve.

-Do you have a specific color(s) or type of leather in mind for your dream bag?
(please note that we do not use fur or any “real” exotic skins like python or ostrich)

-Do you have any ideas for the HH logo hardware you’d like to use on your bag? If not, then maybe you
want to cruise around our website and pick out a few bags that have hardware you like and then email to us
along with your sketch.

-Lining: Do you want to have a colorful print lining inside your bag, an hh logo print lining, or a solid color canvas lining?


Thanks so much for bidding and this should be a very exciting project for all of us!

Best Regards,

-Toni



Hi Toni, Ben, Jessica and all of the lovely HH staff-


First off, I just want to say I'm thrilled to work with everyone on this collaboration. It's a humbling experience to work with the HH design team. For me, I'm thinking of myself as an "intern" and hope this will be a great learning opportunity as well. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but the thought of having something potentially put into production in the line is amazing and gives me inspiration to try my best.

About myself, I'm a 26 y/o pharmacist from Portland, OR. I have a love for the arts and feel most comfortable in creative crowds bouncing ideas off one another. I love traveling, been around the world and speak 3 languages fluently, hoping to learn more. In the past year, I've helped friends set up their fashion/jewelry lines here in Portland and Tokyo. To me, the handbag is a traveling essential as I pack my life in it since I don't own a car and rely on public transportation wherever I go (it was a backpack not long ago) and holds all things I need in my ventures. Finding HH was a great discovery, and I'm still shocked that I'm now working with the team that creates the well-designed pieces I find myself in love with. :)

For the design of the bag:

Sketching process:
I'm jotting ideas every now and then and draw in my sketchbook, so currently it's still a work in process. I'm looking to create a slouchy yet structured bag, but not sure how to style it (fun, classy yet all at the same time functional). One of the ideas I was toying around with is maybe have a bag with a detachable front pocket that can also act as a wallet (trying to think of function again, resourcefulness is a trait I like). Or a shoulder stap that can double as a belt, an "accessory" bag, lol. :P Still ideas I'm tossing around, so not sure yet.

Specific color(s)/type of leather:
As far as deciding the type of leather I'd like for it, I haven't got that far but am thinking about a rich, fall color. Would I choose between current available leather types/fall 09 swatches? Or are there secret, hidden types that are yet revealed?

Lining:
For the lining, this is also a part I'm excited about because I'm thinking about sketching/making something on photoshop as a print. If I send a file, would a PSD file work better?

If there are any tips, I would much appreciate wisdom and guidance. :) Thanks for sending the moodboard - great to see what motivates everyone. I sent something also, the first picture being a sketch I made recently (not a bag tho :P) and the second being inspiration from an artist and friend I admire, ZAnPon from Osaka, Japan.




I can't think of the words in English, but I want to say "yoroshiku onegaishimasu" - which is Japanese for "please treat me favorably" and feel honored to have this experience.



Thank you and looking forward to working with everyone :)

Attached pictures I sent:


Sketch I made: momobear


Japanese artist I admire/good friend: ZAnPon


Hi Thuy,

Congratulations and we're very excited to be working on this project with you!

Just a few notes before we get started:

Sketching process:
Noted that you are working on some ideas for us to work with. Just send us the scans when you're ready and the magic can begin!

Types/Colors of leather:
It would be preferable if there was an existing color that you would like to use. If you can narrow down to a leather type, ie James Dean (our signature leather), metallic, patent, exotic, etc, we can let you know what we have available.

Lining:
Unfortunately, we are unable to develop a custom print lining. (oh noes!!!!!!) Would you like to use our hh logo nylon or a solid cotton canvas? If you would like a printed lining with a specific "feeling" we would be happy to source some options for you.

We will surely "treat you favorably!" Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you,
Joanne

[swolfcg]

That's so awesome Missty. I didn't know you won that. It's really cool of you to let us in on it, but I have very little creative ability. I am curious how it's going to unfold. Keep us posted.

[carlottalyn]

Woohoo, a DYOB thread! Wow Missty, how exciting...I'm sorry about the lining, but hopefully they can at least find a great print even if they won't let you design it. Although, I'd certainly urge you to try to talk them into letting you do it. JMO lol. I can't wait to see the ideas you come up with, I'm sure your bag will be amazing!!

[Seto]

oh neat! very very cool, and this is will be an awesome thing to watch unfold :)

[skydive nikki]

WOW! Missty you are sooooooooo lucky. I think you will represent well. Also, you are an amazing artist. I can't wait to see the final bag!!

[fleurdelis816]

Woohooooo Thuy!!! This is SO awesome. I think I'm going to live vicariously through you and sit back and watch. But maybe I'll throw my 2cents in along the way. Anyway, Congrats again on winning and I hope it turns out exactly like you imagine!!

[tonij2000]

This is amazing and thanks for sharing it with us!

[cinnybuns]

Aww bummer about the lining because it gives the bag the extra personality. But thank you for thinking about the double duty/multi-tasking ability. I can't wait to hear more about your process.

[paelaf]

This is so exciting--I'm excited to see your sketches, missty!

[Sybaryte]

Very exciting and thank you so much for sharing!! That is a shame about the lining, especially after looking at the gorgeous prints you sent. After reading your signature line, I have to throw this out there....how about a custom Tharpe?!!!

[Seppyfish]

Aw, it sucks about the lining. I can understand a little bit why it might be difficult for them to get a custom printed silky lining in the commercial quality (since I assume it needs to be ordered in bulk)..but I'm still surprised that they can't find somewhere (even local) that would screenprint your design...

Looking forward to your ideas!

[jakeandsamsmom]

It's so nice and generous of you to share your DYOB experience with us! Thanks!!It certainly something very special and unique, and you truly deserve this. Congrats missty, and keep us posted.

[jennirane]

Missty, I echo what everyone's saying: thank you so much for sharing this process with us! I've said before you're immensely creative, but I had no idea. Your photos and style just hint at your talent. (And I'll be looking into the artist you admire, too.) I can't wait to see what you come up with, and love what you said about what you look for in a bag--that you travel and rely on a bag so much. It speaks to things I've been working on in my own writing. Congratulations on winning this rare experience, and have a wonderful time with it!

[lulu3955]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!! I'm so excited for you and all the other DYOB winners. Your idea of the perfect bag is right all the lines of my perfect bag too!!
The detachable wallet idea is awesome. Goldenbleu had a bag correct me if I'm wrong called the Alba that had a detachable front "carryall" that was neat. and your Strap & belt idea is also awesome. I once at the airport used my long pomp strap as a belt cuz my pants were falling down. It worked great and I got allot of compliments on it.

I can't wait too see some drawings!

[RealMcCoy]

What an adventure you are on. I can understand why they can not do the custom print lining. To set the dyes and rollers in the mill to produce a special print, HH would have to purchase hundreds of yardage. Which is why each collection really only has 2 or 3 print linings and the HH lining or solid cotton. Also the cost is set by number of color hues in a pattern. One of the reasons why Paule Merrot's prints lend so well to milling. They are, for the most part, a handful of colors in each print.

I would opt for the "If you would like a printed lining with a specific "feeling" we would be happy to source some options for you." That in itself is favor. What they will probably do is get swatches from the mill of small sample runs that may be quite specialized and rare. Knowing Toni, she has probably already guaged your taste in prints from your two samples. Though, I think she will have a challeng because your two prints are such opposites - yours has the beautiful, serene simplicity of Japanese flower arranging with an unexpected kick of quirkiness; whereas, your friend's has an energetic quality of Kadinsky meets Yuan Dynasty. It shows how eclectic your tastes are that you enjoy both. I think Toni will have a wonderful time working with you. Thanks for sharing with us. Love your sketch.