[Special Feature] Discover the Evolutionary Lineage! A Guide to the Order Event Featuring New and Old Masterpieces from Prestigious Bag Brands | THE GENTLEMEN CLOTHING AUTUMN & WINTER 2023
- 09.20 Wed -10.03 Tue
- Isetan Shinjuku Men's Building 1F Promotion
*Available at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F, Bags section on September 23rd (Sat/Holiday), 24th (Sun), 30th (Sat), and October 1st (Sun).
Almost every prestigious bag brand has a masterpiece that has supported its long history. These masterpieces are updated and improved in response to changing times, and are passed down through generations. At Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , we are paying tribute to this lineage of masterpieces by holding a special order event where you can order past masterpieces that are no longer in production. In addition, we will also be showcasing evolved masterpieces that have taken over from these prestigious brands. These new and old masterpiece bags can be seen as the trajectory of evolution that these prestigious brands have taken. Bag and luggage buyer Fukushima will explain the appeal of both by comparing them.
What led to the order event?
I feel that the needs for bags have changed over the past few years. A key trend in the bag industry is the "genderless transformation of bags." With remote work becoming commonplace and more people carrying laptops, we are seeing an increase in women purchasing briefcases, which were previously strongly associated with men. Brands like ACATE , for example, offer designs that transcend the boundaries between men's and women's styles and can be coordinated seamlessly. On the other hand, we hear from customers that brands like Felisi are eagerly awaiting the "reissue of previously carried models." We would like to address these various customer requests in the form of an order event at the Leather Fair, which will be held from September 20th (Wednesday). Why not take this opportunity to order your ideal bag as an item to enhance your special day (a day to make an impact)?
PROFILE
Narihiro Fukushima, Bags & Luggage Buyer Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F
Since joining the company, I have gained experience in the leather industry as a whole, focusing on men's shoes, bags, and leather goods. Since April 2022, I have been working as a buyer for bags and luggage. My motto is to provide customers with bags that combine the three elements of materials, functionality, and attention to detail, while carefully understanding the needs of modern bags. My hobby is saunas, and I love public baths and sauna facilities.
Felisi the pinnacle of nylon business bags.
First up is Felisi , a brand that has established itself as a cornerstone of business bags with its combination of high-density nylon and leather. Founded in 1973 in Ferrara, northern Italy, the company initially made belts, but later began making bags, which gained a reputation and led to its rapid growth. It has also achieved immense popularity in Japan, particularly among businessmen, and has established an unshakeable position in the market.
"Reissue Model" Model.8637/2
Among them, the "8637/2" has been a bestseller and the face of the brand for many years. It was created in 1986 and has been loved by fans for about 30 years. By using high-density nylon as the main material and leather for the handles and trimmings, it achieves both exceptional lightness and a sense of luxury. The leather parts deepen in texture with use, making it an item that you can enjoy as it ages.
The leather portion is vegetable-tanned using plant-derived ingredients. This traditional leather brings out the natural texture of the leather and ages beautifully. This high quality allows it to cover a wide range of business styles, from suits to jacket-and-trousers and no-tie styles, which was one of the reasons for its explosive popularity. Furthermore, its exceptional functionality for an imported bag at the time also attracted businessmen.
The interior features numerous compartments of various sizes, including pen pockets and a flap-covered cell phone pocket. Incidentally, since this was the era of flip phones, modern smartphones won't fit, but the design faithfully reproduces the original. Wireless earphones, for example, would fit perfectly inside.
The first two digits of the model name "8637/2" are derived from the year of its creation. A nylon and leather combination model was released and became a popular choice.
- Price: 132,000 yen
- Delivery: Expected to be delivered in approximately 6 months.
- Materials: 8 colors for the leather part, 20 colors for the nylon part
The "8637/2" model was discontinued in 2017, succeeded by the current "1772" model. However, due to its status as a classic, there were constant requests for its re-release. In response to these requests, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building will be holding an order event for this model during the "Leather Fair" starting September 20th. You can freely combine 20 colors of nylon and 8 colors of leather to create your own custom order. Don't miss this rare opportunity!
"Evolutionary Model" Model.1772
Felisi H32×W41×D11cm
92,400 yen
View Products
This item is still available for sale as a ready-made product. The "1772" is an evolved model that inherits the lineage of the "8637/2". It has been made lighter by eliminating the leather parts on the sides and has adopted a sleeve that can be attached by threading it through the handle of a trolley. The size of the interior pockets has also been revised to keep up with today's lifestyle. Comparing the old and new models will surely highlight the unique appeal of each.
Related article: [ Feature] Felisi celebrates its 50th anniversary. A hybrid of visionary thinking and craftsmanship that leads the times shines through.
OHBA A condensed expression of the aesthetics of Japanese craftsmanship
Next up is OHBA , a renowned and long-established bag manufacturer, one of Japan's leading brands. Founded in 1935, it has received numerous accolades, including the Minister of Education Award and the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award. Known for its high-quality school bags, it is chosen by many prestigious schools. The craftsmanship, a culmination of Japanese artisanal skills, is breathtakingly exquisite. The elegance that emanates from it is truly exceptional.
"Reissue Model" Overnight
The bag revived for this order event is a classic from yesteryear called "Overnight." As the name suggests, it's a bag that can handle overnight business trips, and it's characterized by having a wider gusset than a typical briefcase.
In addition to its large capacity, this bag is also noteworthy for its design that makes it easy to pack and unpack. A distinctive feature is the zipper that wraps around the sides and almost to the bottom, allowing for a wide opening. Even when packed full, retrieving items is effortless, significantly reducing travel stress. At the same time, its elegant appearance sets it apart from purely functional travel bags, exuding a refined sophistication. Its compatibility with suits and jackets makes it ideal for business trips.
- Price: 231,000 yen ~
- Delivery: Scheduled for delivery in approximately 4 months.
- Materials: 3 types of leather, approximately 34 colors
This order event features three types of leather: "European Calf," "German Shrink," and "Santa Croce® Calf Leather." Each type is available in various colors. Our top recommendation is the vegetable-tanned "Santa Croce® Calf Leather," which is appealing because it develops a beautiful patina over time.
"Evolved Model" Model. Slim Overnight
This item will be sold as a ready-made product. This is the current best-selling "Slim Overnight" case. The width of the base is the same as the "Overnight" case, but it is characterized by its sleek appearance, as the width narrows towards the top. The interior is divided by a removable divider, so it can be used as one compartment or two compartments. The back of the zipper pocket is lined with microfiber to prevent scratches on smartphone screens and other devices.
ACATE a rising star in Italian bags.
Signature Model: Ostro S
ACATE H30×W40×D18cm
203,500 yen
Lastly, we introduce ACATE , a brand that debuted in 2017 and has a relatively short history, but is rapidly gaining recognition. It is a made-in-Italy bag brand that is attracting attention not only for its quality but also for its extremely high fashion sense. This is the current signature model, "Ostro S". Its key features are the classic flap and the iconic tassel charm.
- Price: 275,000 yen ~
- Delivery: Expected to be delivered in approximately 6 months.
- Material: Leather (8 colors)
At the order event, we offer a selection of supple Italian shrink leather in a total of eight colors, including two colors not used in our ready-made products. You can also order the handles, flaps, tassels, and the base (the contrasting section near the bottom) in different colors, allowing for a wide range of customization.
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Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa (Studio Mug)
*All prices include tax.
*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
For inquiries, please contact Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Basement Floor, Bags & Luggage, Tel: 03-3352-1111 (Main number)
For inquiries via email, please click here.
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