The UM developed from two creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of industrial wool felt — its density, texture, pliability, and strength. And second, to transform a flat surface into a volume using only the simplest of operations. As it happens, these challenges turned out to be mutually beneficial. The thickness of felt makes it difficult to sew together, but attaching a zipper was comparatively easy and offered an excellent mechanism for transforming the shape. From there, it was just a matter of finessing the form to create objects that are as practical as they are pleasing. When unzipped, UMs lay completely flat for dry cleaning and easy storage. And when zipped, they become interesting forms with inherent functionality. UMs come in 4 shapes: tote, carry, clutch, hold.