Bag
Ayla

Bag for Rochester Institute of Technology

Ayla is a modular and transformable leather bag system incorporating detachable hardware, replaceable leather panels, and pre-planned patterns to allow the product to last multiple life cycles. The detachable hardware facilitates ease of repair when the product gets damaged; instead of replacing the entire product, simply replace the damaged leather panel. Alternatively, transform the damaged panel into a new item using the pre-planned patterns. The ability to fully disassemble the product allows for an environmentally friendly end-of-life through repair or repurpose.

Liam Huff 2025 Emergent Iron Press Kit № 167955

Download Press Kit № 167955

Download Press Kit № 167955 Bag for Rochester Institute of Technology by Liam Huff to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


Available Now for Your Next Story

At fashion|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.


Please Note:

  • Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
  • Mention fashion|newsroom as your source.
  • Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. fashion|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.


Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.


Ayla by Liam Huff
Ayla by Liam Huff

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. Press pass? Download high-res, watermark-free images. Or, get immediate access to low-res images without accreditation. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Bag by Liam Huff
Bag by Liam Huff

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Liam Huff Ayla
Liam Huff Ayla

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. Download watermark-free, high-res images with your press credentials, or opt for an immediate low-res download. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Liam Huff Bag
Liam Huff Bag

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Liam Huff Designer Portrait Photo
Liam Huff Designer Portrait Photo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. To identify photo contributors, visit the Image Credits Section.

Rochester Institute of TechnologyBrand Logo
Rochester Institute of TechnologyBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Unique Properties

Modular and transformable leather panels along with detachable hinges allow Ayla to last multiple product life cycles. The detachable hinge facilitates ease of repair when the product gets damaged. Simply undo the hinge and replace the damaged leather panel, eliminating the need to throw away the entire product. The ability to fully disassemble the product allows for an environmentally friendly end-of-life with the ability to either repair or transform old leather panels into new products.

Tags

Bag, Leather, Sustainable, Hardware, Interchangeable, Replaceable, Tote, Modular Panels, Transformable

Production Technology

Experimenting with multiple 3D printed components, I focused on exploring ways to attach leather panels without the use of stitching. I landed on a pin system. Leather panels are sandwiched between an outer hinge and an inner plate. The panels are secured atop the pins and then anchored with a series of screws. With these hinges, everything from the handle, to the main body, to the interior can be replaced. Final hinges were made of polished brass to ensure longevity with extended ware.

Design Challenge

The hardest part of this project was finding the perfect intersection of functionality/sustainability and desired look. I determined through my research that my target audience wanted a product that had sustainable attributes but looked no different from a traditional bag. I could achieve the desired function but not in an aesthetic that was appealing to my audience. Through many rounds of prototypes and interviews, I came to a final mechanism that satisfied both ends.

Project Duration

Started in August of 2023 at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, USA. and finished in May of 2024 in Rochester, New York, USA.

Operation Flow

The detachable nature of the metal hinge allows for components within the product to be interchanged when damage occurs. If one side of the product gets damaged, simply replace that panel, not the entire item; this reduces wastage. Additionally, the main leather panels were designed to be turned into a different, smaller product if only one panel can be salvaged. Predetermined patterns ensure that one panel can be turned into a smaller clutch, further reducing the waste of the item.

Research

I started with database research to determine opportunities to reduce waste. I interviewed 4 professionals in the fashion accessories industry. I used these two methods to inform my hinge mechanism. For product look and feel, I used a survey to determine bag silhouette, mood boards to determine detail and target audience, triading to determine desired look, narrative scenarios to determine how the bag would be used, and user interviews to ultimately hone in on a final design direction.

Inspiration

Leather is one of the most polluting sectors within fashion. Most leather products contribute to the idea of take-make-waste. Reducing environmental impact is not as simple as switching to a leather alternative. Almost all alternatives are polymer based and cannot match traditional leather's longevity. If farmed regeneratively, used as meat industry byproduct, and, if able to be used multiple times, leather can be sustainable. Ayla explores how we can use leather to its maximum potential.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Photographer Elizabeth Lemark, AYLA_1_3600.jpg, 2024. Image #2 : Photographer Chelsea Cohen, AYLA_MAIN_1800.jpg, 2024. Image #3 : Photographer Chelsea Cohen, AYLA_2.jpg, 2024. Image #4 : Photographer Elizabeth Lemark, AYLA_3.jpg, 2024. Image #5 : Photographer, Sneha Yalgi, AYLA_5.jpg, 2024

Project Overview

Ayla Bag has been a Iron winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Liam Huff Designer Portrait Photo Award Logo
Iron Recognition

Liam Huff was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Ayla Bag.

Liam Huff Designer Portrait Photo
Liam Huff Newsroom

Explore Liam Huff Newsroom to uncover award-winning design projects and more.

You are currently viewing Media Showcase № 167955. Check out Liam Huff's newsroom for an exhaustive resource hub, featuring award-winning works and exclusive media content. You are exploring Press Kit / Media Showcase 167955 for Ayla. More resources can be found in Newsroom 364428.

Explore Now

Diana Sokolic Bag
Diana Sokolic

Bag for Diana Sokolic

Diana Sokolic 2013 Professional Iron
DA17 Conductor Bag
DA17 Conductor

Bag for dash.

dash. 2021 Startup Silver
Leather Gem Bag
Leather Gem

Bag for Theyknow

Theyknow Design Team 2024 Startup Bronze
Wit Bag
Wit

Bag for Kalón

Teresa Chan 2022 Professional Iron
DA18 Sling Bag
DA18 Sling

Bag for dash.

dash. 2021 Startup Silver
DA26 Arch Bag
DA26 Arch

Bag for dash.

dash. 2022 Startup Bronze
Taste Connnection X Multifunctional Bag
Taste Connnection X

Multifunctional Bag for TAGather Goods Co., Ltd

Chinhua Huang 2020 Startup Silver
Luma Backpack
Luma

Backpack for Heston Design

Colin Heston 2025 Professional Bronze
Arc Shoulder Handbag
Arc Shoulder

Handbag for URBAN THE CLASSY

Jeong Yoon Jeong 2022 Professional Iron
Airwheel SE3S Suitcase
Airwheel SE3S

Suitcase for Changzhou Airwheel Technology Co.,Ltd.

Guogang Zuo 2025 Enterprise Silver
Oiwas Smooth Collection Luggage
Oiwas Smooth Collection

Luggage for Guangdong OIWAS Luggage And Bag Group Co., Ltd

Guangdong Oiwas Luggage And Bag Group 2025 Enterprise Silver
Luminare Women's Evening Handbag
Luminare

Women's Evening Handbag for Aslaen Vaugn

Evan Neumann 2020 Professional Bronze
Create Newsroom
Create Your Newsroom

Establishing your own newsroom is a strategic move to effectively communicate your designs to a targeted audience of journalists and media editors. This direct channel enhances your visibility, significantly increasing your chances of being published and featured across a wide range of media platforms, from magazines and newspapers to journals and online media. Take the first step towards amplifying your reach and influence in the design community.

Create Media Account
Create Account to Unlock Exclusive Resources
  • High-resolution images for your stories
  • Ready-to-publish press kits
  • Access to exclusive content

Quick sign-up. Instant access. Elevate your reporting now.

Create Newsroom
Submit Your Design

Submit your design and seize the opportunity to be featured across a global stage. Gain exposure by connecting your work with our extensive network of journalists and leading media outlets. Start your journey to worldwide recognition today.

Launch Your Newsroom

Create a newsroom for direct access to journalists, making your designs easier to publish and feature.

Create Your Newsroom

Featured Now

Design of the Day
DESIGN OF THE DAY
Design Team of the Day
DESIGN TEAM OF THE DAY
Design Legend of the Day
DESIGN LEGEND OF THE DAY
Design Highlight of the Day
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
Design Interview of the Day
DESIGN INTERVIEW OF THE DAY
Designer of the Day
DESIGNER OF THE DAY