Addie Bag Lock
Michael Kors
Revitalized a vintage Michael Kors functional bag lock by modernizing its design language while significantly reducing hardware costs. The redesigned Addie Lock maintains the iconic visual charm of the original while introducing improved functionality and manufacturing efficiency. The updated lock is currently in production across the Addie Shoulder Bag and Addie Crossbody Bag collections.
Project Challenge
The original Addie Lock, while visually distinctive, relied on outdated turnlock functionality that was costly to produce and complex to manufacture. The goal was to preserve the lock's beloved aesthetic while streamlining production, reducing material costs, and improving user experience for modern consumers.
My Contribution
I led the design and engineering process for this heritage hardware refresh, balancing nostalgia with contemporary manufacturing capabilities:
Designed at Michael Kors
The original Addie Lock, while visually distinctive, relied on outdated turnlock functionality that was costly to produce and complex to manufacture. The goal was to preserve the lock's beloved aesthetic while streamlining production, reducing material costs, and improving user experience for modern consumers.
My Contribution
I led the design and engineering process for this heritage hardware refresh, balancing nostalgia with contemporary manufacturing capabilities:
- Design Language Modernization — Created 2D sketches to rapidly explore how to translate the vintage lock's visual character into a refined, modern silhouette that feels current while honoring the original design
- Functional Engineering — Converted the complex turnlock mechanism into a simplified magnetic snap construction, reducing production complexity while improving ease of use and maintaining secure closure
- Iterative 3D Development — Used 3D modeling in Rhino to refine proportions, test the new magnetic snap assembly, and optimize material distribution for both aesthetic and functional performance
- Rapid Prototyping Strategy — Leveraged 3D printing to test multiple design iterations and functional solutions, significantly reducing hand sample costs and accelerating the design validation process
- Technical Documentation — Produced detailed technical drawings and manufacturing assets using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to clearly communicate design specifications, material finishes, and assembly instructions to production partners
- Cross-Functional Collaboration — Worked closely with design, manufacturing, and costing teams throughout the entire process to validate feasibility, confirm quality standards, and ensure the final design met cost margin requirements without compromising brand quality
Designed at Michael Kors
The revised Addie Lock successfully modernizes the vintage hardware while maintaining its distinctive identity. The magnetic snap construction eliminates the complexity of the original turnlock, reducing production time and material costs while improving functionality. The refined silhouette feels contemporary yet timeless, seamlessly integrating with both the Addie Shoulder Bag and Addie Crossbody Bag designs.
