We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Cameron about their original and creative Travel Kit design work. Cameron is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original travel kit works.
Cameron ("Cameron") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work The Wanderer Travel Kit. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
Cameron : The design comes from a desire to have a tray for my toiletries while I was traveling. I was unhappy digging through my traditional travel dopp kit which did a poor job of containing my items in an accessible way. Instead of bringing an actual tray with me traveling, we created a design that transformed into one.
Cameron : Our main focus was functionality, but once we were able to figure out a way to construct a shape that folded into a tray and laid completely flat, we focused on a clean geometric exterior that held its shape, as well as materials that would stand up to bathroom use like water, apothecary, etc.
Cameron : We have a glasses case with a built in cleaning cloth that is protective like a hard case but soft enough to fit in purses or pockets. Furthermore, we are expanding into home goods with plans for a knife rack and an espresso tray.
Cameron : This concept was launched in May of 2017 but the original idea came January of that year. We released a second version with an updated zipper, new interior lining folding and edge work that constitutes our current iteration.
Cameron : We currently produce all of our designs in house or with the partnership of a small production house in Los Angeles.
Cameron : We are major fans of clean, minimal design. We take inspiration from everything from architecture to classic cars to jewelry. Anything that eliminates the unnecessary and focuses on balance and geometry could be something we pull from.
Cameron : The Wanderer is for the design conscious traveler who appreciates the additional functionality of a tray, as well as desiring high quality made in the U.S. construction and materials.
Cameron : Our single zipper that runs diagonally across The Wanderer not only provides the tray conversion functionality, but also gives it the clean, geometric shape and balance. It is the heart of the design.
Cameron : The Wanderer is a travel accessory, and it comes from the way we like to travel. We love visiting new cities abroad and walking, taking local transportation and talking to residents of the city. The idea of "tourism" has never resonated with us. Instead, we like to wander and let the intimate experiences come to us.
Cameron : We use a Juki 1541 S industrial sewing machine for all of our design, prototyping and development.
Cameron : An early challenge was placing the zipper so that it could take its current sharp, unconventional turns. We had to upgrade to a very high quality zipper to get the kind of movement that we wanted, both seamless and functional for the user and modern for our aesthetic.
Cameron : Cameron and Lindsey wanted to find new audiences and customers for our design brand and see how we compared to the best in the industry.
Cameron : It is always the micro-iterations that add up. Techniques for adjusting the pattern to make the lining sit completely flush, edge work to help the zipper turn, and interior padding to help hold the shape are all discoveries that we have carried into future designs.
