Who we are
We are a pair of friends with a lifelong love of design and iridescent surfaces. Klara founded and has been running the clothing brand Akari since 2008, while Jakub, as an industrial designer, has completed more than 100 projects in various industries, two of which were awarded the Red Dot Award.
The IRMA project is a matter of the heart for both of us. It combines our love of making things beautiful and clever and our belief that a sense of humour can be infused into any industry.
We believe in a world of glitter and unicorns, where IRMA can only do the fun stuff, but in the meantime, we'll teach her the safety stuff too.
Why?
Klára Šmakalová
Jakub Stedina
Talking about us
Contact
Go check IRMA out at the Ones Concept Store! (from 15.11.)
Ones Concept Store
Újezd 600/1,
150 00 Praha 5
Why IRMA.
We designed IRMA to address the real, daily need for personal safety in a way that feels empowering rather than intimidating. Many personal safety products on the market are either separate gadgets, which can be easily left behind or feel cumbersome, or they lean toward designs that are overtly focused on defense, which can be unsettling. By embedding subtle, effective safety tools directly into an accessory that’s already a daily essential, we wanted to create something women would naturally carry, use, and feel comfortable with. The goal was to make safety accessible, convenient, and seamlessly part of daily life.
Safety is a universal concern, especially for women navigating urban spaces, working late hours, or traveling alone. Irma makes personal safety feel integrated and less daunting by combining these tools with a beautiful, functional design. Today, we have smart devices in so many aspects of our lives—our homes, watches, even basic cleaning tools—yet personal accessories like handbags are still largely traditional. Irma brings a fresh perspective, advancing the role of the handbag to not only carry essentials but to offer proactive support for its user’s safety and peace of mind.
Irma addresses two key challenges: convenience and security. Many women carry their phone charger, light, and alarm separately, or they rely on smartphones for these functions, which can drain the battery or be ineffective. Irma solves this by offering a dedicated light for visibility in dark areas, an alarm to deter potential threats, and a phone charging feature that ensures users can stay connected. It’s designed to be a reassuring tool, turning a handbag into a reliable partner in personal safety without sacrificing style or function.