Diversity expressed through bags.
I hear that, and it seems to fit perfectly with Kaneko-san's house specialty of offering daypacks, roll-bostons, and tote bags in seven sizes and 12 colors.
Kaneko: . I think that size is the ultimate tool. For example, the smallest size can be used by a woman to hold a lunch box, while the larger size can be used in a car. . I think the same shape but different sizes can be used by various people in various situations. I think that is one key thing that has never been done before.
KANEKO-san, even the shirts of "L.E.," the original label of "Reshop," are available in 12 sizes, based on the concept that they can be worn by people of all shapes and sizes. I feel that you are expressing diversity through fashion. Is this something you intend to do?
Kaneko: Hmmm, I don't know . But I feel that the world is becoming more and more diverse. Of course, the same is true of fashion. As for "L.E.," the starting point was the diversification of sizes. These days, not everyone chooses a size that fits them perfectly. People buy a large size because they want a loose fit, or if the trend is toward a tighter silhouette, they will buy a small size. In the past, it would have been possible to say, "If you are in the size range of a certain height, we recommend a medium size," but that is no longer the case. Nowadays, I don't think it is possible to determine a person's size in general. . That is why I think it was necessary to develop a 12-size lineup. Compared to the past, young people today have longer arms and legs and are taller. And old men like us, with our body shape, are more comfortable with big silhouettes than younger people (laughs).
People's sizes really do vary, and I felt a little uncomfortable with the current size development, so I think such a development was inevitable. When I thought about how to respond to the various uses and diversifying lifestyles for bags, I naturally came up with the idea that rather than designing individual bags, there is the potential for them to become a tool for many different people, even if they are just available in a variety of sizes. I naturally came up with the idea.
. Certainly, the many different sizes can be used in various ways.
Kaneko: I thought such a development was inevitable, especially since "Outdoor Products" is used by people of all ages, from junior high school students to adults. By having Mr. Hayasaki of Tenbear design a daypack that is normally sold at mass retailers for 4,800 yen, it may catch the eye of fashionable people who have never used "Outdoor Products" before, or it may change the image of Omotesando by making it look a little cooler. I also hope that by creating various hooks, the product will be seen by a wider variety of people.
There were many expressions that were only possible because of "Outdoor Products. Finally, do you have any plans after the opening?
Kaneko: I think that a kind of "not changing" is also a reason for people to love a brand for a long time. Of course, our products are getting better and better, but the changes are gradual. I would like to keep this aspect of the brand alive, and I think it is also a tip or a hint to continue the brand for a long time. I feel that it is good to continue as loosely as possible (laughs). . But I think it is my skill to express that there is something good to be found every time you come to the store.
452T (LARGE) ¥7,300
TOTE (GIANT) ¥9,800
