Key Dates

29 May -Launch Deadline
28 Aug -Standard
27 Nov -Late Deadline
26 Dec -Judging
07 Jan 2026 -Winners Announced
Wednesday, 19 November 2025 06:07 local time

Flow Hobo in Hand-Textured Leather, Dong Cloth Inspired

Guangzhou Bampo Brand Management Co., LTD | Fashion - Textiles & Materials - International


 
Image Credit :

Project Overview

This HOBO bag reflects the essence of Eastern aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the Taoist philosophy of “great beauty lies beyond form” and the intangible cultural heritage of Dong Cloth craftsmanship, the design team innovatively introduced a hand-crumpled Dong Cloth-grain leather, giving soft premium full-grain Irish calf grain leather a unique texture and cultural depth. Weighing just 460 grams, the bag features an adjustable widened shoulder strap and multiple interior compartments, striking a balance between lightweight portability and practical functionality. Hollowed gourd-shaped metal accent adds a refined detail and highlights the brand’s cultural identity.

Organisation

Guangzhou Bampo Brand Management Co., LTD

Team

BAMPO GROUP Culture Lang Huang

Project Brief

In today’s world, consumers are shifting from seeking mere accumulation of possessions to emotional resonance. Inspired by the softness and skin-friendliness of silk tops described in Tang-dynasty poem and embracing the Taoist philosophy of “great beauty lies beyond form”, the brand reinterprets Eastern aesthetics in a modern language. By giving the distinctive textures of Dong Cloth to hand-crumpled leather, accented with symbolic gourd-shaped metal and styled in a lightweight and practical HOBO silhouette, the design achieves a harmonious fusion of cultural heritage, artistic expression, and multi-scenario applicability.

Project Innovation/Need

First-of-its-kind hand-crumpled Dong Cloth-grain leather: The R&D team conducted an in-depth study of the intangible cultural heritage Dong Cloth’s craftsmanship, the traditional “ten dyeings, ten bleachings, and ten hammerings” techniques. Skilled artisans with over ten years of experience then hand-crumpled calf leather hundreds of times to finally replicate the unique natural texture of Dong Cloth.

Cultural symbolism Reinterpretation: The gourd motif—traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity—is reimagined as modern hollowed metal accent, which not only conveys good wishes but also imbues the product with rich cultural significance.

Distinctive silhouette: A lightweight design (weighing just 460 g), paired with the HOBO silhouette and asymmetrical curves, creates a unique draped elegance.

Design Challenge

The fundamental differences between Dong Cloth and leather made it almost impossible to apply the craft directly. So the challenge was to replicate the cloth’s natural grain. Through in-depth study, the R&D team translated the essence of “ten dyeings, ten bleachings, and ten hammerings” into hand-crumpling techniques, enabling leather to present a grain similar to that of Dong Cloth. Another challenge was balancing lightness and softness with firm silhouette: the bag is made from premium full-grain Irish calf grain leather, using asymmetrical curves to create a unique draped elegance. It leverages leather’s inherent resilience and structural integrity to maintain the shape.

Sustainability

Made from high-quality full-grain leather, the bag offers exceptional durability, reducing replacement frequency and resource consumption. Its functional features—such as the adjustable wide shoulder strap and generous capacity—extend the product’s lifecycle, aligning with sustainable consumption trends. The bag reinterprets traditional craftsmanship through a modern design language, revitalizing cultural heritage while preserving its essence. This approach not only supports the development of rural intangible cultural industries but also contributes to a holistic model of sustainable cultural development.


Fashion - Textiles & Materials - International

Exemplary textiles and materials that have low consumed energy, low water use and low waste - aka Eco-Textiles. Over the coming 3 years we'll be furthering our Eco-Textile standards - be part of the evolving standard by nominating your innovations.
More Details