Duyên xưa, Dáng nay – A handbag inspired by the Vietnamese phoenix-wing betel tradition
Category: Accessories
Competitions: Vietnam
The design is inspired by the phoenix-wing betel arrangement from Vietnamese culture, particularly in Quan họ Bắc Ninh, where betel is used as a gesture of communication, connection, and social interaction. The handbag translates the structure of folded betel leaves into its form and construction. Layered elements and curved lines are developed from the act of folding and shaping betel, creating a sense of wrapping and unfolding. The opening and closing mechanism reflects the handling gesture of a betel piece. The surface is treated with quilting to simulate the veins of betel leaves, reinforcing the visual reference. In Vietnamese culture, betel is considered the beginning of a conversation and appears in daily life as well as in rituals such as weddings and ceremonies, representing affection, connection, and human relationships. The design reinterprets these elements through a contemporary approach, focusing on form, structure, and user interaction rather than direct replication of traditional imagery.
