"Gregory White Label," which launched in Spring/Summer 2018, is a new label that updates past masterpieces for the modern era, creating sophisticated and urban items. For its second season, this year's base is the iconic "Daypack." We spoke with Kenjiro Nakajima, a key figure at GREGORY who worked in collaboration with the overseas team on the project, about the approach to the items and the behind-the-scenes aspects of their production.

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Gregory Nakajima Kenjiro

—First, could you tell us about the circumstances that led to the establishment of the label?

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the brand's launch. We had been talking with our overseas development team about wanting to do something for the anniversary, and last year we released a model that was a faithful reproduction of one of the most popular models from our 40-year history. Of course, it was well-received by fans, but it wasn't exactly a design that suited modern lifestyles. With lifestyles and fashion becoming more diverse, there was a desire to create an item that inherited the best aspects of the old models while also incorporating modern functionality and color schemes. With that in mind, we launched the White Label this year, our 41st year in business.

—Respecting the past while updating it—that's a new challenge for the brand. What approach did you take to create the models released this spring/summer, which is your first season?

These new models are based on two climbing packs produced in the mid-1990s: the "Cragsack" and the "Black Crag." The "Cragsack," which enjoys a cult following, was reissued once in 2000, but the models released this spring/summer faithfully reproduce the original designs while incorporating modifications to suit today's lifestyles. These modifications include brighter color schemes, as well as features such as a PC sleeve and bottle pockets inside the compartments.

Gregory "Daypack" ¥23,760 (45 x 39 x 19 cm)
* exclusively at Isetan Shinjuku Store
*Scheduled to launch on Wednesday, September 19th.

—This fall/winter season, which will be your second season, you'll be releasing a "daypack," right?

As the name suggests, this model was originally designed for activities that could be completed in a single day. This included day camps, hikes, and of course, commuting to work or school. To put the original model into perspective, it was like a "bag" that you could carry on your back. Now, however, its uses have diversified, and the items people carry have also changed. This new "daypack" also needed to be equipped with modern, functional details such as a PC sleeve, which were considered in the previous season's model.

—The modest size seems to be well-suited for everyday use in town.

There are various sizes available, but this time I based it on a model made in the late 1980s to early 1990s. Since not only mobile phones but also various other items are becoming smaller these days, I thought this size would be just right.

The early 90s models used Cordura nylon, but that material lacked stiffness, and some people might find it a bit cheap-looking by today's standards. This new model uses ballistic nylon, making it much more durable.

NEXT> The all-black model is a special edition commemorating the 15th anniversary Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building