Carhartt Beanie with Interchangeable Pins

The project is directly related to the Carhartt brand, its audience, and its aesthetic, so the brand philosophy forms the foundation of the product.I wanted to create a practical accessory with a clear function. A headband would be ideal for this purpose, as it is designed for quick and easy preparation for work. Given that Carhartt has an audience among young creative individuals who value self-expression, the idea for a headband with interchangeable pins emerged.

Metaphor: Carhartt was originally a brand for laborers. The brand offers simple yet practical and durable clothing. The basis for my headpiece—a curved piece of steel—is a maximally simple and uncomplicated object that aligns well with the brand’s industrial aesthetic, and its potential for customization references the new audience the brand has attracted—creative and young people. Thus, the accessory literally symbolizes the brand through its concept.

Brand Connection: The pins I propose reference the Carhartt logo and existing brand merchandise; I have also added several variations that might appeal to the target audience. The pins evoke youth, street art culture, and a rebellious aesthetic, coupled with practicality and even a touch of deliberate dishevelment.

General Information:Approximate size of all pins is about 3×3 cm. The circumference of the border is 40 cm. Materials: tempered steel (with ceramic enamel) + brass (with nickel plating) + magnets.The design on the pins is achieved through laser cutting.

Cost Estimate for Set: Headband + 5 Pins Materials and Production (for 100 sets): Steel headband base — 300–450 ₽ Sanding and ceramic lacquer — 200–330 ₽ 5 nickel-plated brass pins — 1,000–1,500 ₽ Magnets and fasteners — 100–150 ₽ Assembly — 100–150 ₽ Packaging — 120–200 ₽ Total: 1,820–2,780 ₽

The manufactured prototype allows for testing the scale of the pins relative to the bezel base, as well as the convenience of the magnets when wearing the piece.