My goal with Kaya was to provide structure for a common experience that is often stressful and scary: leaving class to go to the bathroom to change a pad.
Reliable and reassuring feel
Opens silently for privacy
Pattern designed for contents
Intended to be sold as a period kit, Kaya comes with four light pads, one maxi pad, an illustrated true first period story and a blank template for a girl to chronicle her own experience.
Kaya can be worn around the neck so that the bag never has to touch the restroom. The flat base prevents it from tipping over if set down.
Multiple styles make Kaya feel personal and allow groups of friends to more easily approach periods in conversation.
Above: prototyping the strap and silent open
The pattern was designed with the help of fashion designer Jennifer Wang. After learning to sew, I made the final bags myself.
When opened, the bag reveals a second woven tag with the catchphrase: "Be prepared for what's next."
