& Overall

This project helped expand my knowledge base about packaging and working in 3D. And all the considerations that need to be taken in making a marketable product and package. I feel like I challenged myself by taking up a project this big and a subject with not many references (fashion kit) that already exist. I look forward to pushing this idea further in the future and might look into mass producing it. I enjoyed this class because it allowed me to create and follow through with a self initiated project. I liked that I got the chance to combine graphic design and fashion, which my makes my double major mean so much more. Also, I like that we were trusted to know what we were doing, even if we were doing it for the first time. Challenging myself made me realize my abilities are only as limited as my imagination. And everything teaches you something.

Final Package

Picture 23, originally uploaded by ReemAlHajri.

The box for the vest had to be made to emphasize the product's identity. I chose to contrast the color used to catch attention but at the same time keep it monotone so that it would have a grown up/mature look to it. I also limited the colors to the shades of orange and black, so that if this was to be produced it would be cost effective and would not need to use any extra color/ink. The Hanger in the package is design to be cut out and used by the owner. The hanger acts as a logo too, combining the idea of the hanger (fashion's packaging/display, holds clothing) + the question mark (the handle + the orange circle) for rethinking packaging, but I chose to keep that very subtle. I wanted the checked detail to add a crafty made at home feel to the packaging, so that it wouldn't be considered high vernacular, because it would really be an affordable product.

The Logo - Keep It Together (The Concept)

Picture 22, originally uploaded by ReemAlHajri.

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The logo combines the idea of tools and packing them together.
The name / concept for 'Keep It Together' - Came from wanting to keep all the tools together. To physically show the idea of packing them. Also, was inspired by the encouragement you would get from friends / teachers to follow through, keep working at it until the project is realized. From phrases like 'Pull it together', 'Pick yourself up'.

Vest Sketches + Concept

Picture 21, originally uploaded by ReemAlHajri.

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After my research on existing packaging and research on fashion kits, I chose to develop a product that would act as a package for the 8 fashion items I chose (Scissors, Measuring tape, French curve, Tracing wheel, Pencil & Ruler). I chose these tools, after surveying some of the fashion students and faculty here at university.

After I studied the tools: their function, usability, placement, frequency of use and speed at which they are used, I chose to create a Vest, the designer could wear while they design. Because the fashion student/designer always has to stay up-to-date with the latest fashion. This vest would help facilitate that by making the tools accessible and near by.

The pockets for the vest: I began by designing them as they looked, but then I realized they wouldn't be practical for every kind of tool, if the designer wanted to use it to carry a differently shaped tool. So I decided to design the pockets so that they would be versatile to any preferred use.

Above, you will notice different designed versions of the vest. I chose to make it from old canvas, to keep with the sustainability theme. The canvas also helps keep the sharp and heavy tools from dropping or poking the user.

Existing Fashion Kits / Packs

Picture 20, originally uploaded by ReemAlHajri.

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These are the only sort of fashion kits out there, and what they are really is sewing kits. So through studying their form, and noting how the different elements are organized, I decided to work on developing a package that holds the tools conveniently enough for the user/designer. Convenience and clarity became key issues; because time is essential when designing with a deadline, which is often the case. Those issues along with sustainability, (In this case durability would act as the sustainable aspect) I decided would be included in the final.

Researching Product

The product (family of 8 products) I chose was a fashion kit. To rethink, repackage 8 fashion products. To develop a kit/belt/package that would hold these tools. Still keeping in mind the sustainability aspect. And bring in what I learned previously when repackaging the paper clips (paper choice, paper use, use of glue, die cut).

I looked at existing fashion kits/packs. Not many existed that held the professional fashion tools used usually. So I looked at the ones existing for structure and form, to inspire a possible packaging solution.

Researching Existing

Research of color, how it alone can communicate the product's type, taste, mood, message and variety. The audience range and age group is determined by the color used. The form of the package too, communicates a mood, message and tells us what category it is.


Research of typography on packaging. Made me realize the need for matching the character of the type with the sort of product packaged. Took note of use of type when minimalistic, monotone, used with various colors, as a system to be applied to a family of products.

Paperclip Holder - Repackage

We began the packaging project by repackaging existing products. I chose to repackage paper clips. With keeping the idea of sustainability in mind. Details like, how much paper is used in making it, what kind of paper, how much glue is used, and how complicated is the die cut. Things that will affect the price of the product, it's durability, and it's effect on the environment.

The paper clip package I created, was inspired by the shape of the paper clip. Used just one piece of paper. And was bound by paperclips. So I found a way to address sustainability when sketching the product.