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=Project Proposal=

=__Background__=

After observing the mechanics of the fashion industry for some time now, I’ve noticed one thing that never fails - either the make-up artists are late because it takes several trips to bring their bags in, or they’re the first one on set because it takes them an hour to organize their work stations. Many make-up artists complain about the inconveniences of using regular travelling luggage to transport their products; many more complain about the time it takes to take out and then put away their many brushes, concealers, blow-dryers and hairpieces.

=__Research__=

After speaking with several of these artists, it’s obvious they’ve explored unlikely sources to find better options. For example, hair/ make-up artist Morassut uses a briefcase he found at a scrap booking shop, a shoulder bag and a full-size rolling suitcase for all his products (Morassut 2009). Another hair/ make-up artist, Yang, uses a train case and a figure-skating bag that doubles as a stool (see: Image A) (Yang 2009). The verdict among the artists that I’ve spoken to is that their options are limited to over-sized luggage with a single disorderly compartment, medium-sized luggage that doesn’t quite fit everything or specialised make-up train cases that jam shut if the contents shift during transport (see: Image B). What’s more is that their luggage isn’t designed to be used everyday and so they have to replace it often.

At first, I found it quite difficult to believe that there were no other options. Naturally, I turned to the internet. I found two companies - Yazmo and Makeup Creations - that offer several specialized make-up luggage. Both companies include a number of important features in their designs - hard-shell exterior, stackable/ detachable compartments and dividers within each compartment (see: Images C and D). Convenient as they may seem, all of these designs contain train cases (which frustrate many artists) and they all lack one very important feature - customization. Neither of these companies offer customization of the dividers in any of their compartments, nor do they offer mix-and-match options for artists who would prefer an extra brush compartment instead of a train case.

=__Works Cited__=

Makeup Creations. Japanese Professional Makeup Case. Digital image. Makeup Creations. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. .

Morassut, A. "Morassut." Personal interview. 5 Nov. 2009.

Yang, S. "Yang." Personal interview. 17 Nov. 2009.

Yazmo. Pro Rolling Silver Makeup Train Case. Digital image. Yazmo. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. .

Yazmo. Pro Black Makeup Train Case. Digital image. Yazmo. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. .

Zuca. ZÜCA Pro Black & Black Full Set. Digital image. Zuca. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. .