FEATURE| HOUYHNHNM's editorial board's bag discussion.
CHROME MXD COLLECTION
HOUYHNHNM's editorial bag discussion.
In recent years, various brands have been releasing bags that fit in well with the business scene. In line with this trend, CHROME, a well-known messenger bag brand, has introduced the "MXD COLLECTION" for commuters who live in the city. In a departure from the sturdy and sturdy designs of the past, this small bag with its detailed compartments offers a glimpse into a new aspect of the brand's design. What do HOUYHNHNM's deputy editor Yamamoto and editor Nakata think of this collection? We will introduce the history of the brand, the collection, and the contents of the bags from the editorial team's point of view.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldWhile lifestyle-focused bags are becoming mainstream nowadays, the messenger bag brand "Chrome" has also come out with a new innovative bag. In this issue, HOUYHNHNM's editorial department would like to get closer to the appeal of these bags. What kind of bags do you usually use?
Yamamoto.In my case, it's a bit special. This is because I run home (Yamamoto, the handsome deputy director of the Huinamu Running Club, runs from Daikanyama, where his company is located, to Minami-Machida, his home, and back). I guess I often use an outdoor brand trekking or fast-packing bag for my runs, looking for a style that allows me to run anytime.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldIt means that while we are conscious of fashion, a large percentage of orchids are used as criteria for selecting things.
Yamamoto.Yes, it is. Looks are important, but it is also simply a matter of whether or not it can run. Also, I have a lot of luggage, so whether or not it can hold it is also a criterion.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldI have a computer, a notebook, and a tablet, and I don't have that many accessories.
Yamamoto.I'm the opposite. I tend to put cables and such in my car. That's why it's so heavy when I run (laughs). Of course, ideally, it would be better if it were lighter. But this is a very reasonable size.
MXD SEGMENT (Yamamoto's personal property) ALL-ETT wallet, AxinG outlet, STUSSY Livin' GENERAL STORE key tag, VICTORINOX TOMO, Amazon Basic lightning cable, Muji 4-panel notebook, Moleskine notebook, Daiso pencil case, GoPro HERO6, Evanue umbrella, THE NORTH FACE x Supreme gloves, GoPro mobile battery, Montbell pocketable tote, iPad
MXD PACE (Nakata's personal property) GROK LEATHER wallet, Porter Classic coin case, GROK LEATHER business card case, South2 West8 hand towels, HOUYHNHNM's stickers, AirPods, Eyevol sunglasses, hobo pen case, keys around, U.S. ARMY 4 Virtues tools, toothpicks from CVS, iPad Pro & Apple Pencil, cream from Hermès, notebook from TOPS, books by photographer Akira Kobayashi
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldThat's right. Chrome has a strong image as a large-capacity messenger bag. I don't change what I carry between commuting and meetings, but this bag is good as a sub-bag. I actually put the things I usually carry in the "MXD PACE," and there was plenty of room. In fact, this size may be enough for you.
The distinctive red and black tag has been changed to a chic monotone. While maintaining the brand's philosophy, it is now suitable for use in situations where it has never been used before. The smart miniaturization of the product has successfully harmonized the design.
Yamamoto.I have a lot of cables and other things with me, but I don't use many of them. I chose the ones that go in the "MXD SEGMENT" section, but I guess I could do with just this one. Also, I see they changed the logo so that it fits in with the business scene.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldThe straps and buckles are inspired by the seat belts that are synonymous with the brand, and the lineup is new while retaining the "chrome" style.
A look back at the history of the brand.
A characteristic of messenger bags is to tuck away the straps after squeezing them. Only "Chrome" can combine this kind of culture into a bag that can also be used for business purposes.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldI looked up "Chrome" again and found that it started in 1995 and is now in its 23rd year.
Yamamoto.At first, the messenger bag with the seatbelt buckle was a hit. That was catchy to look at.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldFor the messenger, ease of use was also significant.
Yamamoto.It is amazing that even though the brand has become so famous, it is still supported by messengers and has always maintained its core image. It's not a brand that girls would casually choose, but that's why when I see people using it, I think, "Oh, they know what they're doing. It's kind of cool to discover that girls hold it in that way.
The strength of the "MXD Collection" is that it is all black and can be easily matched to any style, but the "MXD FATHOM" has a unique form. The design is similar to that of a trekking bag, so if you are going to use it around town, you might as well enjoy the shape.
From left to right: "MXD NOTCH" ¥10,000, with its finely divided compartments for easy organization of small items you always carry; "MXD SEGMENT" ¥11,000, which can be used as both a sling bag and a waist bag; "MXD FATHOM" ¥14,000, with its distinctive design and minimal size, which can hold a 13-inch MacBook Pro. MXD FATHOM" ¥14,000, which can hold a 13-inch MacBook Pro despite its distinctive design and minimal size; "MXD PACE" ¥15,000, the most versatile 2-way type in the collection.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldIt is also cool that you dare to choose "chrome" for business use. I think it is easy to use as a first step for people who have not been able to get their hands on a messenger bag because of its strong image as a core messenger bag.
The MXD PACE, which boasts the largest capacity in the collection, has a solid gusset, so there is plenty of room for two laptops and a tablet. Since it does not interfere with the front pocket, it has enough storage capacity for an everyday bag.
Yamamoto.Yes, it is. It feels good to be able to carry "chrome" on my back in the business world. Maybe it's the way of the times, where people don't want to buy things that are useless, but these days I think people are a bit tired of dressing up in order to be popular or to look cool. In such a case, the criteria for selecting products are things that have a solid foundation and are made by people who know what they are doing. For someone like me who doesn't ride a bike, I'm glad to see Chrome adding this kind of lineup to their product lineup.
By changing the material of the liner on the left and right sides, you can access the items you need by groping without looking inside. The right side pocket has a soft liner material. It protects sunglasses and gadgets from scratches.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldIt is probably more common for men to choose a mindset. That's why when a girl uses it, you think "Oh, you know what I'm talking about! I think that's why.
Yamamoto.Yes, yes, yes. Also, it was refreshing to see how delicately crafted they are. I was impressed by the care they put into such things as the feel of the pockets.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldIt's nice to have a bag that won't get scratched even if you put gadgets in it. The same is true of the 3-way bag I usually use, but I like a bag that allows me to sort my gadgets into different categories, such as a charger here and a wallet there. The "MXD PACE" is good because it allows me to sort small items in the bag itself.
In addition to the main and front pockets, "MXD FATHOM" also has side compartments. Convenient for items that are often taken out quickly, such as a cell phone or wallet.
The fact that it does not wear a waist belt shows the brand's pride in not being an outdoor manufacturer. With the chest strap fastened, the bike will not blur when you ride it.
Yamamoto.It's also important to note that this price point is achieved while using ballistic nylon.
rice paddy field in the middle of a fieldUp until now, durability has been the main concern. We want durability, such as rain resistance and tear resistance, but we don't need that much in a large bag. In that sense, it is a different approach from the past. The same goes for Treadwell, a new travel-oriented line that will be featured in the next issue of HOUYHNHNM's. Please look forward to it, everyone!
CHROME TOKYO HUB Address: T-Frame Harajuku 1F, 6-11-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-6427-4231 Hours: Weekdays, weekends and holidays 11:00 - 20:00 (irregular holidays) *Revised from April 1 www.chromeindustries.jp
