My leather bag project for this competition is called “Macabre Obsession”, which is inspired by my personal intensive obsession about Visual kei bands & their themes about horror/grotesque things. The fans of those bands are generally called bangya. They have unique (mostly) black trunks, which they customized/diy it with pictures of their favorite Visual kei bands or artists. Bangya trunk been popularized among fans who are students since the 90s. I want this project to show my devotion & determination as Bangya myself and as a designer.
Macabre Obsession is a Bangya Trunk design is reimagined for the modern Visual Kei fan, deeply rooted in the personal experience of being a Bangya. The design is inspired by the devotion toward a "Honmei" (one's absolute favorite member)—specifically Toshiya, the bassist of Dir En Grey, a legendary Visual Kei band since the 90s.
True to the genre's spirit, the aesthetic captures the band's signature style: bold, rebellious, and strikingly androgynous.
Design Concept & Motifs : The bag incorporates symbols drawn from the band’s darker themes and Toshiya’s personal aesthetic, which often blends horror with eroticism (BDSM) and the beauty of "pain."
In association with
Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.
