Based on the Mursi Tribe, KONCHAP is a series of handmade bags and accessories for POP04 at Lasalle College of the Arts which is a pop-up store for students to showcase and sell their works.

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In a world where change is the constant, striving for developments and improvements are part of who we are. We exist to create and innovate, reshaping the earth in hopes for a better life. Carving out a raw canvas and changing from within, this collection seeks to focus on shaping the body and refining the outskirts of a solid foundation. This involves a well-knotted base, restoring inner beauty and strengthening from within.

 

Flexibility and versatility are key essentials in keeping balance – noting the Mursi’s metal ring headpiece that has visual similarities to that of a balancing scale, taking irregular forms as well as organic shapes to ensure a well-rounded accessory. Restoration of urban architecture in this eco-active concept is all about making the old, new and giving traditional silhouettes a modern twist. In addition, the functionality of having ‘mobile cities’ in desert recites pockets and storage compartments amidst an accessory that’s not just for fashion but also with a purpose. Having to seek a little source of light amidst the darkness of material gains that’s harming our environment, we have fallen short of the circumference or outline of the Ainu’s lip tattoo, repelling every evil spirits coming our way. This amulet charm relieves our body of peace and sanity, keeping a sense of zen and calamity touch, for the monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.

 

The geometric forms of the weaving Ainu’s arm girdle tattoos also signifies tying the

dead for burial, believing in the good of an afterlife. This also reinstates our compassion for an earth-friendly environment to ensure a long lasting globe. Metal hoops and sagging lip holes of the Mursi tribe could also represent us having to retain the light within the circle and keeping the goodness within us. Despite the disfigurement of the face in both the Ainu’s lip tattoo as well as the Mursi’s expanded lip hole, we could transform these imperfections into having a minimally clean design but with a pop of uncertainty, giving emphasis to the oddity of something so unique. Thus, our concept mainly revolves about the body, taking a well-knotted foundation to support the irregularities of form, having to stitched the flaws together perfectly with a placid disposition. Taking inspiration from the 3 section designs of the Ainu garb robes that represent 3 different worlds, we have incorporate them into a 3 level accessory concept – the outermost layer, the middle piece and the second

skin of the innermost layer. Body harness securing structure of body and symbolising the solid armour of warriors will cover the surface layer. This will be the main attraction piece to draw attention to the rest of the pieces. Transcending into middle layer, the neck pouch will serve as a charm to repel judgements and criticisms from the world. It is a hidden spark in us and represents our suppressed opinions. However, it is not the innermost layer as it could still be lashed out to our closest peers. The belt or sash final garment will tighten the body and

wrap up the series. As inspired by the Ainu plaited girdles which represents bosom girdles that is worn under a woman’s outerwear, it is being kept secret from Ainu men and cannot be exposed to them as doing so will lead them into misfortune. Thus, this is to safeguard their inner strength and individuality,

creating a firm base to prep for the other layers.