Made in Carcere and Schmid together to make the biggest bag in the world
6 metres high, 6 metres long, 3 metres wide and an 8-metre shoulder strap, those are the measurements of the “Made in Prison Standing Bag” presented at the Milan Fuori Salone.
Give a second chance to former inmates: Made in Carcere (Made in Prison) has been working for years to combat recidivism and this year it has another ally: Schmid of San Giuliano Milanese.
The non-profit association located in Lecce, southern Italy, Made in Carcere strives to bolster public awareness regarding the importance of giving inmates a second chance through work when detained. It aims to demonstrate that work allows former inmates to stay out of prison. Data shows that 80% of former inmates integrated in the labour market do not relapse into crime.
These are the reasons behind the project presented with Schmid during Milan’s Fuori Salone (the side events held during the furniture trade show): Made in Prison Standing Bag, the biggest handbag in the world, made in the correctional facilities of Trani and Lecce with fabrics provided by Schmid.
The biggest handbag in the world
Initialy the bag was due to be three metres by two, the same size as a prison cell. But, the bag that will be presented at the Fuori Salone will be six metres high, six metres long and three metres large.
The project aims to recreate an ideal redemption itinerary: first of all, one enters an environment that evokes – not only because of the size – a cell, dark and lacking space.
As one continues, the light increases and illuminates a space dedicated to work, the means that helps inmates obtain a skill and find their place in society, represented by a sewing machine situated in the centre. With the sewing machine are produced goods such as bags, purses and bow ties that are hung up on the walls of the third segment of the structure, that symbolises real life. It is characterised by a brighter light as to remind us that through a rehabilitation based on labour and training, one can leave behind the darkness of prison and embrace the brightness of life.
Schmid partner of Made in Carcere
The project was accomplished thanks to the collaboration of several companies, including Schmid, a firm that wished to share its vision of work as a means to rehabilitate prison inmates. “Made in Carcere is a reference point in Italy With its projects it has allowed many people in difficulty to obtain a second chance in life. For this reason, we have decided, by supplying our fabrics, to take part in this initiative,” explains Paolo Ciccarelli, CEO of Schmid.
Schmid’s fabrics for Made in Prison Standing Bag
For the project, Schmid gave Made in Carcere more than 500 metres of fabric including jeans, plain and printed tulle, laminations, applications and embroideries. Fabrics were then sewed and placed on the handbag’s metal structure.
The biggest handbag in the world – as it awaits to officially enter the Guinness World Records – is on display until the 17th of April at the ADI centre in Via Bramante 42, Milan.
