Ludlow Shoulder Bag Hardware
Michael Kors
As the hardware designer for the Michael Kors Ludlow shoulder bag, I conceptualized, engineered, and designed custom hardware components through close collaboration with Michael Kors' Mainline Accessories design team. This project required balancing aesthetic vision with practical engineering considerations while maintaining strict quality standards and budget parameters.
My Contribution:
Designed at Michael Kors
My Contribution:
- Conceptualization & Design: Developed hardware concepts aligned with the Ludlow's design language and brand aesthetic, transforming initial concepts into production-ready designs
- Engineering Excellence: Created hardware specifications that ensured functionality, durability, and seamless integration with the bag's materials and construction
- Budget Optimization: Performed cost engineering analysis to optimize production costs while maintaining premium quality, ensuring the final product met target price points
- Manufacturing Oversight: Worked directly with manufacturers to implement rigorous quality control protocols and testing procedures
Designed at Michael Kors
The project required solving for both form and function, creating hardware elements that were visually distinctive while meeting Michael Kors' stringent performance requirements. Through iterative prototyping and testing, I developed solutions that balanced aesthetic appeal with practical durability.
The Ludlow shoulder bag has become one of Michael Kors' most successful products, achieving exceptional market performance and strong consumer response. Due to its outstanding commercial success, the Ludlow hardware has been established as a carry-over theme for subsequent seasons, creating a distinctive design language that resonates with the brand's consumer base and the greater marketplace. This longevity demonstrates the design's enduring appeal and my contribution to creating a hardware system with lasting value for the Michael Kors brand.