【第2回】「雨の日の憂鬱」を美しさに変える。職人の指先が削り出す、天然木ハンドルとツイード調PVCの秘密。

[Vol. 2] Transforming "Rainy Day Blues" into Beauty. The Secret of Natural Wood Handles and Tweed-Style PVC, Crafted by Artisans.

 

 

Hello everyone.
Pre-orders for our 20th Anniversary "Limited Edition Tweed" series began on July 1st at our official online store (Shopify). We are grateful to have received many pre-orders, along with enthusiastic messages such as "I've been waiting for three years" and "I've pre-ordered the new YK31." With only 15 pieces available for each size, we are once again deeply touched by your high expectations for this "revival."
Now, in this second installment of our three-part development story, we will take you on a journey into the profound world of the two core elements that define this bag's "face" and deepen your affection every time you touch them: "Tweed-like PVC material" and "natural Karin wood handle."
When you learn why we chose this material over real wool, and why we carve natural wood instead of plastic, you will realize that this bag is not just a stylish accessory, but a refined tool worthy of a lifetime of companionship.


 

 

 

1. "Tweed-like PVC": The Optimal Solution Chosen to Surpass the Original

 

What images come to mind when you hear "tweed"?
Perhaps the rugged landscapes of Scotland, sophisticated British country style, and the warm touch of wool. Tweed is the ultimate material for autumn and winter fashion, instantly exuding "elegance" and "class."
However, it's a different story when it comes to making it into an everyday business bag or a primary daily bag.
Real wool or cotton fabrics absorb moisture and become heavy when wet, potentially causing stains or mold. Furthermore, due to friction in crowded trains and daily wear and tear, the surface tends to fray and gradually lose its shape.
"Could we achieve this overwhelming classicism with the toughness to be used daily, 365 days a year, without worrying about the weather?"
Facing this challenge, we arrived at a special material: "tweed-like PVC (polyvinyl chloride)."
Utilizing the latest embossing technology, we precisely reproduced the "unevenness" and "shading" of intricately woven tweed threads of varying thicknesses on the surface, down to fractions of a millimeter.
Depending on the angle of light, it reveals a deep expression as if real wool is absorbing and reflecting light. Yet, in reality, it's a strong PVC that is highly waterproof and can be easily wiped clean if it gets dirty.
There's no need to compromise in the morning, thinking, "It looks like rain today, so I'll leave my favorite bag at home." Even on a torrential rainy day, you can confidently head to your business meetings with the same elegant tweed appearance. This is the "modern functional beauty" we pursue.

 


 

 

2. One of a Kind in the World: The Sensual Feel of a Natural Melaleuca Handle in Your Palm

 

 

Crowning the tough body that defies rain is our signature "wooden handle." For this limited edition tweed, we chose the esteemed wood "Melaleuca," known for its extremely fine grain and high density strength.
Most modern bags use plastic or synthetic leather handles for ease of mass production. While these are certainly uniform and flawless, we insist on natural wood because it possesses "the warmth of life" and the "luxury of aging."
Melaleuca is known for its elegant, smooth texture, yet it is resistant to moisture and dryness, making it a highly durable wood species. To shape this into a handle for a bag, achieving that exquisite curve that makes you feel "ah, comfortable" the moment you grip it, requires the intuition and skill of a seasoned craftsman.
Each handle reveals a unique character depending on the density of the grain and the position from which it is carved. In other words, the one out of 15 pieces you hold has a one-of-a-kind grain that is "yours alone."
Furthermore, the true value of this handle increases with use.
As you grip it daily, the oils from your hands will slowly seep into the wood, and over three months, six months, a year, it will develop a deep, lustrous patina, much like a polished antique.
While the PVC body maintains "unchanging beauty," the handle "grows beautifully with you." This contrast of stillness and movement gives the bag an overwhelming three-dimensional quality and a sense of luxury that far exceeds its price.


 

 


3. Calculated Color Scheme: Where Classic Meets Modern

 

What truly distinguishes this 20th-anniversary model from the original three years ago is its "depth of color."
The tweed-like body, woven with warm browns and beiges, is perfectly complemented by the deep reddish hue of the Karin handle, creating a complete classic-modern aesthetic.
However, this update doesn't stop there. Look inside the bag, and a vibrant "custom dark green" interior, symbolizing our 20th anniversary, unfolds.
Additionally, the unique "bag frame," which supports the bag's self-standing capability and maintains its beautiful shape, features a "custom dark gray" exclusive to this model.
From the classical exterior, an intellectual dark green peeks out the moment you open the lid, complemented by a refining dark gray.
This layering of colors silently and eloquently speaks to the owner's taste. We've infused such adult playfulness into the details, so that when you take out documents from your bag on your desk, or open your bag at a cafe, those around you can't help but be captivated.


 

 

 

 

4. A New Story Begins in Your Hands in Early October




A lifelong item that lasts is not merely one that doesn't break. It's about having the reliability of being dependable even on rainy days, the sensuous pleasure of feeling good every time you touch it, and the hospitality that makes your heart flutter every time you open it. Only when all of these conditions are met can a person truly love and continue to use an item.
The limited edition tweed, revived in five sizes (YK7, YK3, YK4, YK59, YK31), is precisely the culmination of 20 years, fulfilling all these requirements.
Arrival and delivery to you are scheduled for early October, as autumn truly sets in.
Please look forward to the completion and the day you can pair this Karin handle and tweed texture with your new season's coats and jackets.

 

The next and final installment (scheduled for mid-August) will take you behind the scenes at "Japan's largest bag sanctuary" - Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture - where these complex materials and natural wood are sewn into a single bag with millimeter precision. Don't miss the incredible dedication of the artisans.

 

[20th Limited Tweed Pre-orders Now Open]
*The 20th Anniversary genuine leather key strap is only available during the pre-order period.

 

 


Dulles Bag

 
"20th Tweed Dulles Mini Shoulder Bag"
¥37,400