Folded Histories

Category: Accessories

Project Title: Folded Histories Design Name: The Upepo Tote Design Narrative Folded Histories is a sculptural exploration of memory, motion, and material transformation. At its heart is the Upepo Tote, a statement piece that captures the enduring strength and fluid grace of African craftsmanship, realised through a sustainably-minded and culturally-rooted approach. Upepo - The Swahili word for “wind,” captures the spirit of this tote: light, strong, and ever in motion Inspired by the traditional folding hand fan. A symbol of beauty, celebration, and feminine strength in many African cultures - this bag reimagines the fan’s elegant geometry using five panels of upcycled leather off-cuts and reclaimed dhow sail canvas known as tanga in Swahili. While the fan shape draws heavily from African ceremony, its global echoes are unmistakable - from Spanish flamenco to Korean Buchaechom, fans have carried symbolic weight across cultures. Making the bag not only a symbol of local pride, but global resonance. The gentle arch of the bag mimics the curves of a dhow sail. The durable sailcloth speaks of long journeys across the Indian Ocean - the heritage of Swahili trade and storytelling woven into the fabric of the East African coast. Across Africa, hand fans serve more than function - they embody identity and pride. From ceremonies in West Africa to everyday life in East Africa, the fan is a cooling gesture of dignity and expression. Its folding form symbolizes adaptability, rhythm, and grace. In the Upepo Tote, the pleated leather structure directly draws from this imagery, but transforms it into a wearable, everyday sculpture. This design honors not just the material, but the meaning behind it, reviving discarded leather into something of lasting value, and giving new life to sails that once guided dhows between generations and shores. The bag is crafted from two primary reclaimed sources: 1. Upcycled Leather Off-Cuts: The leather industry produces significant waste, we give discarded off-cuts a second life. These would typically be thrown away due to their irregular shapes or small size, but through precise hand-stitching, they are transformed into pleated panels that retain structural integrity while reducing landfill waste. This method reduces the demand for virgin leather production, saving both water and energy resources. 2. Reclaimed Dhow Sail Canvas (Tanga): Each bag incorporates panels from vintage dhow sails - sun-bleached, salt-stained, and etched with the patina of the sea. These sails once powered Swahili dhows, wooden boats that crisscrossed the Indian Ocean, connecting East Africa to Arabia and Asia for centuries. Repurposing this durable, weather-worn canvas gives the bag a story-rich texture while honoring the maritime legacy of Swahili trade. The Upepo Tote is not just a visual statement. It's a conscious response to fashion’s waste problem. Our design approach tackles sustainability from multiple angles: Upcycling: Reusing high-quality materials that would otherwise be discarded conserves resources and reduces environmental impact. For instance, each tonne of upcycled leather saves approximately 17,000 liters of water, compared to virgin leather production. Modular Construction: The bag is built using 5 main panels that can be easily taken apart. This means sections can be repaired, replaced, or reused instead of throwing away the whole bag. This design approach helps the bag last longer and reduces waste, making it better for the environment. Design & Construction Details: Top Closure: Open-top design (no magnetic snap or zipper) Interior Pocket: One internal pocket with gold YKK zipper Zipper Type: YKK size #5, gold metallic finish Strap: Fixed, curved handle with topstitched edges Seam Construction: Reinforced seams, visible topstitching Base: Curved and reinforced for structure Pleats: Leather off-cuts are hand-pleated and stitched together Panel Joinery: Reinforced leather joints between pleats and canvas Color Palette: Dhow Sail Canvas: Natural beige/off-white with visible sail texture Leather Pleats: Brown leather Trim & Handle: Black leather Suede Lining: Warm tan Zipper: Gold metallic finish Sustainability Notes: All materials used to handcraft the bag are 100% up-cycled: dhow sail canvas & leather off-cuts. Minimal waste design using irregular-shaped leather pieces. Crafted by local artisans trained in sustainable production Emphasizes heritage, reuse, and environmental consciousness The Upepo Tote brings the past and present together in a fan-shaped design that carries more than just essentials, it carries stories. Every fold, seam, and weathered sail tells of African creativity, coastal trade, and conscious craftsmanship. It’s light but durable, grounded in heritage yet made for today. More than a bag, it’s a reminder that what we carry - and how we make it matters. Project Link : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ILLUCCTkZqPBvjAJVPGbgtT2pvuZktPUxRlnNp-LQ4U/edit?usp=sharing