D Box

A true style object, the box bag stands out with its graphic, precisely constructed silhouette. Inspired by the world of structured small leather goods, he is defined by his forme that gives it a modern, architectural appeal, offering both style and protection.

Category :

Design & Development

Brand :

Gerard Darel

Date :

2017 - 2018

The
D Box

The D Box reflects Gerard Darel’s vision of a structured, modern, and timeless bag, combining geometric clarity with understated Parisian elegance. Inspired by classic box silhouettes, this model features a sharp rectangular shape, built from reinforced panels and a rigid construction that ensures it holds its form over time.

The D Box Embodies the Gerard Darel Codes

The D Box is the result of a design approach focused on architectural volume, material structure, and precision detailing. Designed as a box-shaped handbag with clean, defined edges, it gets his codes by Gerard Darel's want of effortless elegance with a contemporary edge.

His Creative Process

It began with research into rigid construction techniques and historical references from structured vintage handbags. The goal was to reinterpret the classic "box bag" into a modern, functional piece with strong identity and high wearability.

About his Development

Throughout the development, the challenge was to balance rigidity and elegance, creating a structured bag that remains comfortable to carry and versatile in styling. The silhouette was developed through 3D paper and foam mock-ups, allowing volume adjustments and ergonomic testing.

DESIGN

The D Box was born from a specific design need : to create a structured, everyday bag that would contrast with the softer, slouchier silhouettes traditionally associated with Gerard Darel, while still remaining true to the brand’s understated femininity. The objective was to introduce a bag with a graphic, controlled volume — one that could offer protection, structure, and clarity, without feeling rigid or formal. The studio identified a gap in the collection for a piece that could elevate a silhouette, offer clean lines for urban styling, and retain its shape throughout the day, even when worn crossbody or handheld.

DEVELOPMENT

Key steps in the development included :

- Form engineering : Creating a cube-like volume with softened corners, using internal reinforcements to maintain shape without stiffness.

- Material sourcing : Selecting firm yet supple leathers that could support the bag's structure while delivering a smooth, luxurious suede touch.

- Panel construction : The bag was built from precisely cut panels, assembled edge-to-edge to emphasize clean lines. Raw edges were hand-painted to match the color leather.

- Prototyping & fittings : Multiple prototypes were developed with the atelier, each time refining internal structure, weight distribution, and aesthetic clarity.

Throughout the development, special attention was paid to the bag’s interaction with the body : how it sits when carried, how the weight is distributed, and how the form reads in motion. The goal was a bag that was not just well-designed, but intuitively wearable.
The final result, the D Box, is a bag that embodies controlled strength and graphic refinement — a piece that reflects both the heritage and the future of Gerard Darel.

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