We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Colin Heston about their original and creative Backpack design work. Colin Heston is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original backpack works.
Colin Heston ("CH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Luma Backpack. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CH : The main principle behind the Luma backpack design is sustainable innovation through technology. The core idea is to challenge traditional soft goods manufacturing by utilizing 3D knitting to create a zero-waste, high-performance everyday carry solution. Inspired by my love of nature, design, and everyday carry gear, the idea for the Luma backpack was born from a trip to China where I saw the environmental and human cost of traditional manufacturing. This backpack embodies a new standard for how everyday gear can be made—cleaner, smarter, and more responsibly.
CH : My main focus in designing this backpack was to merge sustainability with performance by rethinking how everyday gear is made. I wanted to achieve a product that not only looks modern and functions exceptionally well, but is also made in a way that drastically reduces waste and labor impact.
CH : My future plan is to ultimately bring this product to market either through the launch of my own label, licensing, or collaboration with an existing brand. I also plan to expand upon this concept with a line of additional carry accessories and to use this platform to advocate for cleaner, smarter manufacturing practices in the soft goods industry, proving that sustainability and performance can evolve together.
CH : This design took over five years of prototyping and constant iteration before coming to fruition. I had to learn all about 3D knitting from the ground up, diving into machine programming, materials, and construction techniques. It was a long process of trial, error, and refinement.
CH : This design was a personal pursuit of passion and inspiration. I created it out of a deep interest in sustainability, emerging technology, and everyday carry gear. After witnessing the waste in traditional manufacturing during a trip to China, I felt compelled to explore a better way. This project became a long-term exploration of how design and tech can come together to create meaningful, responsible products.
CH : This is not currently being produced by myself or any other company. I plan to launch and sell this under my own private brand, but also like to keep a very open mind when it comes to future possibilities, and would be open to selling or leasing production/patent rights.
CH : I designed this backpack because I saw an opportunity to solve real problems—wasteful production, outdated manufacturing methods, overstretched supply chains, and the lack of sustainable options in everyday carry gear. As someone passionate about design, nature, and functional gear, I wanted to create something that reflected my values while pushing the boundaries of how soft goods are made. The combination of emerging 3D knitting technology and a desire for more sustainable, high-performance products is what drove this work from concept to reality.
CH : Yes, several key influences shaped this project—especially from the world of streetwear, fashion, and footwear design. As a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, I’ve always been inspired by the innovation and style found in performance sneakers. Nike’s Flyknit and Adidas Primeknit technologies were major inspirations, showing how knit construction could be used to reduce waste while enhancing fit and function. These groundbreaking designs opened my eyes to the potential of knit structures beyond footwear, and sparked the idea of applying similar methods to soft goods like backpacks. I wanted to create something that felt both technical and wearable, merging sustainability with a bold, modern aesthetic.
CH : The target customer for this design is primarily the everyday carry (EDC) enthusiast—someone who values practical, high-performance gear for daily use. This includes commuters, urban explorers, and professionals who rely on their backpacks for both functionality and style. Additionally, this design speaks to the conscious consumer—individuals who are deeply aware of the environmental and social impact of the products they purchase. These customers prioritize sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and innovation, seeking products that align with their values while also offering top-tier performance and design.
CH : What sets this design apart is the integration of 3D knitting technology to create a zero-waste, seamless construction. Unlike traditional backpacks that rely on cut-and-sew methods, this design eliminates excess material, reduces labor, and enhances durability. It blends emerging tech with minimalist fashion, offering a sleek, ergonomic design that stands out in the EDC market for both its innovative production process, environmental consciousness, and unique aesthetic.
CH : In my opinion, this is always the hardest part of any design project... The name of this design was inspired by the loom, one of the oldest and most fundamental tools in the textile industry. As I wanted the name to reflect both the heritage of textiles and the innovative approach behind the design, we played off the idea of the loom as a symbol of craftsmanship, weaving, and the foundation of fabric creation. The name connects the product to its roots in traditional textile manufacturing while emphasizing the modern, high-tech, and sustainable nature of the design. It encapsulates the fusion of old-world techniques with new-age technology in a way that speaks to both innovation and history.
CH : Throughout this project, I used a wide range of design tools—starting with traditional methods and evolving into advanced digital techniques as the concept developed. The early stages relied heavily on hand sketching, flat pattern design, rough paper mock-ups, and sewing rough prototypes to quickly explore form, function, and proportions. As the concept matured, I transitioned to computer rendering and 3D modeling to refine the design and visualize it in detail. A key part of the process was learning and using Stoll M1 Plus, a specialized knit CAD software, which allowed me to program and simulate complex 3D-knit structures for production. This combination of hands-on experimentation and cutting-edge digital tools was essential in bringing the backpack from concept to reality.
CH : The most unique aspect of this design is its seamless, zero-waste 3D-knit construction. Unlike traditional backpacks that rely on multiple cut-and-sew components, this design is knit in one continuous process using advanced CAD software and 3D knitting technology. This not only reduces material waste and labor but also enables precise shaping, enhanced ergonomics, and a sleek modern aesthetic. It’s a rare fusion of textile innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and high-performance EDC functionality—something that sets it apart in both the fashion and gear industries.
CH : For this project, my main collaborator was Innovaknits, a company based in North Carolina that specializes in advanced 3D knitting. They were instrumental in bringing the design to life, generously providing access to their wide range of industrial knitting machines, which are typically not available to the general public or independent designers like myself. Because 3D knitting is a highly technical and specialized process, their expertise and support were essential in helping me navigate the complexities of machine programming, yarn selection, and structural optimization. This collaboration allowed me to bridge the gap between creative design and advanced textile manufacturing, making the project possible at a level of quality and precision that would otherwise be out of reach.
CH : Technology plays a central role in this design, shaping both its form and function. The entire backpack is built around 3D knitting technology, which allows for seamless, precision-engineered construction using digital patterns. This eliminates the need for traditional cut-and-sew methods, dramatically reducing material waste and enabling features like targeted stretch, breathability, and reinforcement exactly where they’re needed. Tools like Stoll M1 Plus knit CAD software were critical in designing and programming the knit structures, while 3D modeling helped visualize the final product and refine its shape and fit. In short, technology wasn’t just a tool—it was the foundation of the design, making it possible to merge sustainability, performance, and modern aesthetics in a way that traditional methods couldn’t achieve.
CH : Yes, this design was influenced by both analytical research and hands-on material testing. I conducted extensive research into the environmental impact of traditional soft goods manufacturing, including data on textile waste, labor intensity, and carbon emissions. This helped shape my decision to pursue 3D knitting as a more sustainable alternative. I also studied user behavior and needs within the everyday carry (EDC) community—looking at what people carry daily, how they use their gear, and common pain points like durability, comfort, and organization. Prototyping played a huge role in gathering feedback through user testing and evaluating everything from fit and flexibility to material performance. Combining that quantitative data with qualitative user insights helped guide everything from construction choices to feature placement—ensuring the final product not only looks good but functions intuitively and responsibly in real-world use.
CH : One of the biggest challenges in realizing this concept was the barrier to entry for working with 3D knitting technology. Unlike more accessible design methods, industrial knitting machines and the software needed to operate them—like Stoll M1 Plus—are typically reserved for large-scale manufacturers. As an independent designer, gaining access to these tools required finding the right partnerships, convincing them to work with me, and navigating a steep technical learning curve. Another major hurdle was the cost associated with developing a product this advanced. From prototyping with specialized machines to sourcing performance yarns, every step involved significant investment—both financially and in terms of time and skill-building. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and resource limitations was also a constant challenge, but ultimately made the final outcome more meaningful and rewarding. It pushed me to be more resourceful, patient, and intentional with every design decision.
CH : After years of development, learning, and hands-on experimentation, I felt this project had grown into something truly unique—both in its technical execution and its message of sustainable innovation. Submitting it to an international design competition was a natural next step to validate the concept on a global stage, share it with a wider audience, and connect with others who value forward-thinking design. I wanted to show that independent designers can challenge the status quo, even when working with complex, high-barrier technologies like 3D knitting. More than anything, entering the competition was a way to celebrate the journey, highlight the potential of responsible design, and hopefully inspire others to push the boundaries of what’s possible in soft goods.
CH : Designing this backpack was a transformative experience that pushed me to grow in multiple ways—technically, creatively, and personally. I learned how to work with complex, industry-grade tools and software, which required a deep dive into machine programming, knit structures, and textile behavior. I also developed greater patience and resilience through years of prototyping and iteration, learning to embrace failure as a vital part of the process. This project sharpened my ability to balance form and function, while staying rooted in core values like sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven design. Most importantly, I came away with a stronger belief in the power of independent creativity—that with enough persistence, it’s possible to navigate high-barrier technologies and create something meaningful, even without massive resources behind you.
CH : I can't wait to see what the future holds.
