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megan brodmerkel

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Current Accessory Design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I focus on high-end, concept-driven accessories. My work is rooted in visual storytelling and sculptural experimentation. I’m drawn to accessory design because it sits between fashion, function, and art. Each design I create begins with a strong concept, often inspired by historical references, anatomy, or abstract forms. From there, I use my skills in drawing, prototyping, and construction to bring those ideas to life in a way that feels both refined and unexpected. My foundation in fine art and illustration plays a major role in my process, from sketching and ideation to texture and finish, allowing me to approach design with both creative depth and technical sensitivity.

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Re:Steer

Category: Accessories

Competitions: International

Re:Steer is a study in working with leather, focusing on how it can be shaped, structured, and manipulated. The project turns a rigid circular frame into a practical handbag through careful wrapping, shaping, and hand stitching of leather. Instead of using leather just for decoration, this work treats it as a key part of the structure and a material that tells a story. The choice of leather was deliberate and based on its performance. Maverick calfskin (3–4.5 oz) was selected for its strength and ability to hold its shape on curved surfaces. Its thickness allows it to wrap tightly around the circular frame while keeping clean edges and stability. Soft suede pigskin (1–2 oz) was added to the interior, letting the material mold to the shape and reducing bulk at the seams. Together, these leathers provide a mix of firmness and flexibility. A key focus of the project is how leather reacts under tension. Since the base shape is rigid and continuous, each panel needed careful patterning to avoid distortion. The leather was wrapped and tensioned by hand, allowing it to adjust to the shape while still being clear and structured. Hand stitching is crucial to the construction of the piece. Using 0.8 mm flat waxed thread, the entire front panel was sewn by hand for durability and to control seam compression. The placement of the stitches was measured to balance tension across the leather, preventing warping while maintaining a clean visual flow. The project also looks at the lifecycle of leather. The materials used can develop a patina, soften with use, and show marks of touch over time. Instead of hiding wear, the design embraces it, allowing aging to add value instead of taking it away. The construction methods are designed for potential repair, reinforcing the idea that leather goods should change and evolve rather than be discarded. In my wider practice, this project explores leather as a living material that can balance the hard and the soft, industry and craftsmanship, structure and surface. Re:Steer shows how careful patterning, tension management, and strong stitching can turn leather into an active structural system rather than just a passive exterior.

In association with Arts Thread

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.