TOPICS 1 Manhattan Portage Black Label opens its first flagship store.
Manhattan Portage is a New York-based brand. One of its lines is the "Black Label," which offers chic, urban designs and has recently been gaining popularity among the growing number of adults who want to use their bags for both on and off-duty use. The first flagship store of "Manhattan Portage BLACK LABEL" has just opened. The store is located in Kita-Aoyama, where many sophisticated stores stand side by side. We paid a visit to see what kind of store has been completed.
PROFILE
Store Manager.
Having been in contact with American culture since his youth, he is familiar with New York, the birthplace of Manhattan Portage. He has a longing for messengers, the backbone of the brand, and loves to use messenger bags for casual wear. Having worked in the apparel industry for many years, he can give you advice on how to match your bag with your outfits.
The interior is stylish and befitting of the Aoyama location.
Ichikawa: The concept of the store is to embody and transmit the essential elements of urban living. The theme of the store is "Technology x Comfortable," and we have incorporated this image into the interior design. Overall, the store has a modern New York atmosphere, with wood and steel used for fixtures. The front of the building is equipped with a monitor that can be linked to social networking sites. The color of the flooring and other details were carefully considered.
The simpler the store is, the more difficult it seems to express the world view.
Ichikawa: The use of ceramic artists' works as displays and carefully selected scents and music make it easy for visitors to get a sense of the brand's worldview.
Why did you choose Aoyama as the location for your first store?
Ichikawa: For several years, there had been a plan to set up a flagship store for "Manhattan Portage Black Label". They decided on this location because the image of a town where fashion-conscious adults go about their daily lives was perfectly linked to Kita-Aoyama.
There are a lot of discerning people in this area who are not easily attracted.
Ichikawa: Our main customer base is men in their mid-30s to 40s, but we also have many customers in their 20s and 50s, as well as women. Many customers are looking for a business bag that can be used in conjunction with their private life, as well as a compact bag.
As soon as you enter the store, bags made in collaboration with "Sofnet" are lined up.
Manhattan Portage Black Label" has what characteristics?
Ichikawa: This high-end line was launched in 2015, incorporating the technology and knowledge that "Manhattan Portage" has cultivated to date into the urban lifestyle of adults. The lineup is centered on chic colors, and commercializes bags with various specifications and designs, including the use of Fidelock buckles and the size and number of pockets. They also use seatbelt material for the shoulders to prevent damage to clothing. Since the brand originated from messengers, reflectors are used throughout the bags. This is the only place in Japan that stocks all Manhattan Portage Black Label products.
Q: To commemorate the opening, you released a messenger bag in collaboration with Sofnet.
Ichikawa: This is our first collaboration with Manhattan Portage. The iconic "Manhattan Portage Black Label" messenger bag is available in two sizes. The piping is made of leather, which is difficult to sew, and a high-grade metal buckle is used, giving it a different look from the regular line. The Skyline logo with the Sofnet logo on a leather tag is also noteworthy.
Manhattan Portage
Black Label Aoyama
Address: 1F GEMS Aoyama Cross, 5-46-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6427-3115
Hours of operation: 12:00 - 20:00
Brand Official Website
