Design av ett hållbart bikinispänne för By Malene Birger

Abstract

This study explores how a bikini clasp can be designed for the international fashion brand By Malene Birger, with the aim of combining functionality, brand identity, and sustainability. The clasp is a small but central component of a bikini, influencing both the aesthetic expression and the user experience. The project focuses particularly on the challenge of integrating the brand’s detailed monogram into the clasp design without compromising practical function or the sense of exclusivity. Through literature review, market analysis, user interviews, and prototype development, the study investigates how different material choices affect perceptions of quality, aesthetics, and environmental impact. The report compares metal and plastic as material options, including a life cycle assessment using Granta EduPack, as well as qualitative evaluations of user preferences. The results indicate that plastic may serve as a viable alternative to metal under certain conditions, but it requires careful consideration in terms of design, surface finish, and brand communication. The project results in a design proposal where the monogram is successfully integrated into a bikini clasp that is both functional and visually appealing. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how small fashion accessories can be developed with sustainability and brand identity in focus, highlighting the importance of balancing aesthetics, functionality, and environmental awareness in modern product development within the fashion industry