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#03_JACKET REQUIRED

JACKET REQUIRED" is a brand that creates classic, rule-oriented outfits with a playful, unconventional spirit, based on the jacket style that is the foundation of men's fashion. JACKET REQUIRED has been focusing on "dispatches" since before it landed in Japan, and handles bags and even camera accessories, the roots of the brand. What is the true meaning behind this energetic lineup?

. it is a reticent design, but it is by no means impersonal.

What kind of bags are selling well at JACKET LIQUIRED?

Saito. Since the store proposes dress clothing for adults and dress casual wear, the customers are mainly business people. Since our clothing lineup consists mainly of jackets, suits, and set-ups, our bags are also strongly business-oriented, such as leather briefcases and totes that can be slung over the shoulder.

In such a product lineup, "Dispatch," a casual bag made of nylon, seems to be different from the rest.

Saito. One of the reasons is that more and more people are using backpacks for commuting to work these days, and we are proposing these bags as weekend bags for such businesspersons. Therefore, the black "Daypack," which can be used both on and off the job, is overwhelmingly popular, followed by the "Waist Bag," which is used on weekends, and the "Bookpack," a thin-gusseted backpack, which is popular among women.

There are a wide variety of casual bags. Why do you select "Dispatch" among them?

Saito. in the first place, I liked it and used it personally. . I first came across the brand's roots in camera straps. . It was before the brand had landed in Japan, but I found it on a website in the U.S., the home country of the brand.

There are many camera straps on the market from various manufacturers. Why did you choose "Dispatch," which was not available in Japan at the time?

Saito. I take pictures as a hobby and carry a camera with me on a regular basis, but I was not comfortable with straps from camera manufacturers because they had large corporate logos on them. I wanted a simple, stylish design that would match my everyday fashion, and I found "Dispatch. When I heard that they were going to start selling bags in Japan, I immediately decided to purchase their products.

What were your first impressions of the bag collection?

Saito.: The simple, gear-like design that characterizes the camera strap is a kept concept in the bag as well. . I thought this would also fit the style of the "Jacket Required. We could propose this product not only as a holiday bag, but also as a weekday bag, filling a gap that was missing in our selection.

How do you feel about the usability and quality of the bag?

Saito. Despite its clean appearance, it has a very elaborate structure and gimmicky features throughout. Among them, I especially like the "Camera Backpack" because I am a camera hobbyist. The camera pouch, which can be removed from the backpack and carried as a stand-alone item, is the most distinctive feature of the pack.

Saito: In addition to opening the top flap to access the main compartment, the camera pouch can also be accessed through the side zipper, and the front zipper can be opened to directly access the interior of the camera pouch without having to take it out of the bag all the way.

. It is a very clever specification that even a camera manufacturer would not have thought of. Naturally, the designers at "Dispatch" also work with cameras, and you can feel that their expertise and experience in handling cameras in various fields, including urban and outdoor, were put to good use in designing this product. At the same time, the designer is also a fashion designer, so there is no compromise on the visual aspect of the product.

Practicality is a prerequisite, but it also satisfies people like us who choose tools and things from a fashion point of view. Also, if you remove the camera pouch that comes with the bag, it can be used for daily use on days when you don't carry a camera, or for overnight trips. Because it can be used in such a variety of ways, I would recommend it even to those who are not interested in cameras.

This kind of itch is consistent in all your products, isn't it?

Saito. The materials and parts are also very appealing. The ballistic nylon used in the Daypack is a tough 1680 denier nylon, so it can be used with ease. There is no need to put it down on the ground to put it in and out of your baggage, or to put it down on the train platform to put it down on your feet to wait for the train. . This is not the case with elegant leather bags. Other items are tough straps that conform to military specifications, and although they may be over-qualified for everyday use, I think it is interesting for men to feel longing, romance, and a sense of security in such items when they choose things.

When using such robust and high-spec parts, the design tends to be military or heavy-boned, but it is incorporated in an urban manner, which is a feature not found in other bag makers. This is another feature of the designer's sense of style.

The "weekender," a travel bag for one to three nights, is also very practical. The main zipper of a Boston bag is usually arranged in a straight line. However, this one has a large U-shaped zipper that allows for a clear view of the interior and smooth access to bulky luggage, garment cases, and other items. When you actually use this bag, you will be convinced by the many details! There are many details that you will be convinced of when you actually use this bag.

Are most of the people who buy "dispatches" at your stores business people?

SaitoThe number of customers is surprisingly wide, not only from the "Jacket Liquiard" clientele, but also from young street-style customers who visit the store after browsing our online store.

What do you think attracts this younger generation to "dispatch"?

Saito.: I often hear people say, "It's better if you can't tell which brand it is. Iconic designs that can be recognized at a glance and bags with easily recognizable logos, for better or worse, make a strong statement that "I own this brand! It is a strong statement that "I have this brand! While it is one way of choosing a bag, there are many people who are not comfortable with it. In particular, people with a high sense of fashion tend to prefer such anonymous products, and it is certain that the company is responding to this demand.

Yet, the use of zippers and the placement of the straps are original and different from the ordinary items that can be found anywhere. Therefore, it is not uncommon for me to be asked, "Where is it from? I am often asked "Where did you get it? In other words, it is a minimalist design that doesn't say much, but it is by no means unique.

What kind of coordination do you recommend?

SaitoThe "Jacket Required" is a jacket that can be worn with casual wear as well as with a more elegant look, such as knitwear and slacks. If it is black, it will match jackets, set-ups, and suits without difficulty, and it is also fashionable to add a camouflage pattern to your coordination.

Camouflage patterns often give a childish impression, but the dark tones of the camouflage used by Dispatch give it a somewhat chic atmosphere. I think it is a camouflage for adults that somehow evokes an urban mood. With such a low contrast, the camouflage is not too casual and can be easily matched with a wide range of outfits, while at the same time providing a subtle accent. The point where it is not too assertive is still present in camouflage.

While many people like camouflage patterns, some are unsure of how to match them.

Saito. You can easily incorporate camouflage by simply keeping the entire outfit in dark tones. Also, as with today's MA-1, picking up one of the colors that make up the camouflage somewhere in the outfit is an effective way to create a sense of cohesiveness. Naturally, it is not as versatile as black, but it is still fashion, so it is more fun to play around with it.