In the previous installment ( A Genderless Perspective on Encounters with Gifts | Men's Bag Story Vol. 1 ), we introduced a story about a protagonist searching for a gift for his girlfriend in the bag section on the first basement floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and how he chooses a bag from a "new perspective." This second installment tells the story of a fashion-conscious girlfriend searching for a gift for her boyfriend in the bag section. We hope this will be helpful for the upcoming gift-giving season, as we explore "shareable" bags...



【PROFILE】

This is more difficult than I thought... I'm struggling to find a gift for my stylish boyfriend.

It's been six months since Erika and Takatora started living together. He's laid-back, but they have similar tastes in hobbies and fashion, so it's comfortable being with him. However, he has a strong sense of style, so she's always careful when choosing gifts for him.

They've been together for three years, but there are still some presents she's given him that he hasn't used, and they've left a lingering thorn in her side... So what kind of present did Erika find for him at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building ?

On her way home from work, Erika casually stopped by the Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . As she walked down the first basement floor towards the food section, she stopped in her tracks in front of a bag that looked like it could be used by her.




The other day, we were casually talking about our future together, and I said, "We really need to start saving money! We need to be more frugal!" But now that his birthday is coming up, I secretly want to buy him a proper present, but at the same time, I'm worried that it will be a waste if he doesn't like it...



Amidst all that, Erika had a brilliant idea!!
"If it's a bag that can be used by both of us, then I can use it if necessary! In fact, it's a design that I'd rather use myself! It would be great to use it together!"

I poured out all my thoughts and feelings about that expanded image to the store clerk.



A stylist in the bag section said, "We're seeing an increase in couples coming in and buying bags that can be shared. There are various factors at play, such as the rise of genderless fashion, saving money, and the need to carry laptops for remote work," and then introduced three particularly popular categories of unisex bags.

Perfect for short outings! Mini shoulder bag

Stylist: It's difficult to travel far these days, but there are still opportunities to go out for short trips or shopping, and mini shoulder bags are popular for these occasions. More and more people are carrying their smartphones, wallets, and nowadays, hand sanitizer and reusable bags for shopping on the way home. From genuine leather bags to unusual stretch material bags and lightweight options, you can choose one to suit your style.

1. Features stretch material. ETiAM is easy to match with fashion.

Stylist: Let me introduce you to some different types! The "bouncy" series from ETiAM , which uses a rubber material that has good storage capacity and blends well with fashion, is characterized by its stretchy material. It has good color development and a gusset, so it has a good capacity despite its small size, and it also has an inner pocket.


Erika: That's true! Just like with cosmetic pouches, if they have a gusset, they can hold more than you'd expect and are really easy to use.

2. If you prioritize lightness above all else, you can't go wrong with Aer body bag.

Stylist: If you're looking for a lighter option, I recommend the "Day Sling2" from Aer . You'll realize this when you wear it, but it's not only lightweight but also has more storage capacity than it looks, so it can easily hold a lot of things, even for those who carry a lot of items. Plus, because it's a body bag that conforms to your body, it's convenient because it leaves both hands free. It's also popular with fathers raising children.


Erika: Wow! It's really lighter than I thought! I see, (opening it up) it looks like it can hold a lot. Plus, there are lots of pockets inside, so even my boyfriend, who tends to stuff things in impulsively, should be able to keep his bag organized.

3. Cornelian Taurus by Daisuke Iwanaga - The way you hold it can be changed to match your fashion.

Stylist: I heard that his everyday clothes are very stylish, so how about the Cornelian Taurus by Daisuke Iwanaga shoulder bag that he picked up first? It has a handle design that could be considered the brand's icon, and although it's currently placed horizontally, it can also be used vertically. It's designed so that you can adjust how you carry it to suit your fashion style and occasion.


Erika: It's simple yet stylish, and it seems like it would suit his fashion! Best of all, the fact that you can hold it horizontally or vertically means you won't get tired of using it. If it were me, I'd want to use it vertically.

And then, when Takatora actually held it in his hands...

Both of us primarily work remotely. Since we only go into the office occasionally, is it okay to use the same bag for both work and personal use?

Erika: Since remote work has increased since last year, we've both been going into the office less often, and I've had fewer opportunities to carry a business bag. Maybe a "work bag" that we can share would be a good idea...? I have a lot of documents and gadgets besides my laptop, and since I'm going into the office less often, I have a lot of things to carry around, so I'm interested in a bag with a large capacity!

Stylist: At the bag section of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building we also have female customers looking for simple business bags! We'll introduce you to designs that can be used for both men and women, as well as backpacks that are a bit more masculine but have plenty of capacity to hold everything you need for work.

1. For a business tote with a "structured" feel, PELLE MORBIDA

Stylist: This PELLE MORBIDA tote bag has a rounded bottom design, giving it a structured look, but the leather texture adds a touch of softness, making it easy for women to wear as well. It also has a good width to the base, and the handles aren't too thin, making it comfortable to carry.


Erika: I always thought men's business bags were big, but when I actually tried one, it wasn't as big as I thought, and I can carry it! The design is simple, so it won't clash with his fashion sense, which is quite particular. Personally, I like business bags that can stand on their own.

2. Briefing backpacks offer ample capacity and excellent usability.

Stylist: It gives a completely different impression, but this BRIEFING backpack is a firm favorite at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . It has plenty of capacity and is perfect for everyday use in town. It has many outer pockets, making it easy to put things in and take them out, and you can even store a folding umbrella or a water bottle on the side.

Erika: My work style has changed, and I'm often out and about on my workdays, so this is really convenient for getting around. He's recently started carrying his own brewed coffee in a reusable bottle, so I think he'll make good use of the side pockets too.

3. Reasons why I'm drawn to PORTER 's classic backpack, which has been loved for many years.

Stylist: I also recommend PORTER 's "Tanker," which is easy to use both on and off duty. This iconic design of the brand has been loved since its release in 1983 for a reason. It has two convenient front pockets, and the main compartment can be accessed from the side, which is another handy feature. The original fabric is accented with an orange color on the inside, and it's an item that many people enjoy using and breaking in.

Erika: I've definitely seen this backpack before! In terms of size, it's just right for me to carry, and it has plenty of capacity, so it seems like a good idea to use it for both of us. It would also be nice to use it together and enjoy how it changes over time.

So, what would happen if Erika and Takatora actually held them...?

Can also be used as a shopping bag for grocery shopping! Excellent as a small gift too!

Stylist: One of the most popular items since last year has been reusable shopping bags. More and more people are carrying them around, and we're seeing more and more people coming to the bag section looking for a stylish reusable bag. It would be sad if your boyfriend didn't use the shoulder bag or business bag you bought as a gift, so why not consider a reusable bag, which is more likely to be used and isn't too expensive?

Erika: That's true! He's a fashion lover, so he said he wanted a stylish reusable bag, but it seems he hasn't found one that suits his taste yet... There are lots of cute reusable bags for women, but if we could find one that we could carry together, he might use it when we go shopping!

1. Young & Olsen's color schemes are perfect for enjoying in conjunction with fashion.

Stylist: A tote bag from YOUNG & OLSEN is a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit. The bright yellow is sure to catch the eye. The brand logo is embroidered on the handles, the fabric is lightweight making it easy to carry, and it has a good capacity thanks to its wide base, making it a very convenient bag to have.

Erika: I like how even the embroidery on the handle is so detailed and understated!

2. L.L.Bean tote bags you'll want to use hard and break in

Stylist: This is an LL Bean tote bag made of a sturdier canvas material compared to the previous one. Based on customer feedback, it now has an external pocket for added convenience. Many reusable shopping bags have an open top, but this one is recommended because the contents are not visible.




Erika: He was just saying, "It's a little embarrassing when you're out shopping and your snacks and vegetables are visible from above." This would be great because it's eco-friendly and allows for smart shopping, and the natural colors and canvas material make it practical too.

3. ASSOV, which is foldable and easy to carry.

Stylist: Finally, let me introduce the AS2OV/Assov reusable bag, which has a foldable design. The reusable bag won't unfold inside your bag, and it comes with a carabiner, making it convenient to carry around by attaching it to a folding bag or similar. It comes in M and L sizes, so we recommend selecting the size that you use most often. There is also a wide variety of colors to choose from, making it fun to pick one out.

Erika: I often find myself searching for my reusable bag, so it's great that this can be attached to my everyday bag. Calm colors like khaki and gray would look good, and conversely, it might be fun to try a color I wouldn't normally carry for my reusable bag!





In conclusion...

There were more bags with designs that we could use together than I expected, and many of them were just the right size when we actually held them. It was also fun choosing them while talking with the stylist about his fashion image. And as we talked, I realized how wonderful it would be to share a bag, enjoy how it ages over time, and spend time together as a couple...


A surprise would be nice, but since I've found so many things that can be used together, I think I'll discuss it with him and buy them this time. I always have fun discovering new things when I go to Isetan, and I can't wait to come and see them together!


To be continued...


□Cast for this event

Related Article ▶ Encountering Gifts from a Genderless Perspective | Men's Bag Story Vol.1


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Photograph: Shimpei Suzuki
Text: Makoto Kajii

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