FEATURE｜The "way of making" of TIMBUK2, a pioneer brand of custom bags.
The pioneering brand of custom bags, TIMBUK2's "way of making".
TIMBUK2, a pioneer brand of custom bags based in San Francisco, has invited two of our favorite creators to appear in "Finum Unplugged vol. 5," which went on sale on March 24, and to share their custom bags and a bit of their philosophy. We asked them to show us their custom bags and a little bit of their philosophy. In this issue of HOUYHNHNM's, we have added one more creator to the list! The magazine includes many episodes that could not be introduced in this issue. In addition, we will be giving away an original custom bag created by each of them! We will let you know how to enter the contest only if you read to the end! (Laughs)
CASE1_Tomoharu Atsumi, Owner of "WAVEY STORE" / Director of "Hellrazor
Wavy Store" opened in Sangenjaya last year and became a hot topic of conversation. The store is owned by Tomoharu Atsumi, a skater by profession. The store is filled with genuine skate brands from Japan and abroad, with a focus on "Hellraiser," the brand for which Atsumi serves as director. In a town where many young people such as skaters, apparel staff, and hair stylists live, the shop functions as a valuable hub of youth culture. Atsumi-san, who runs the store, rides bicycles as well as skates on a regular basis.
About six years ago, I moved from Yokohama to Tokyo when the store I was working at at the time transferred me. I bought a bicycle at that time and started riding it to work and other places. There were many friends around me who rode BMX, but my priority was riding around town, so I mainly rode a pisto bike. Once you get into bicycles, like skating or fashion, you become obsessed with them, and there is no end to the parts and customization that you can do. But for us, that was one of the most enjoyable parts of riding a bicycle. I didn't know much about the Timbuk2 brand, but when I heard that they could make custom bags, I thought it would be fun for people who were into the same kind of biking we were. If you are very particular, you don't want to have the same items as the people around you, you know?
The DIY spirit that many skaters possess is also reflected in the way they choose their bags. Atsumi himself often customizes his bags with pins and badges, and he is more particular than most about being original. What is important to him is the ease of use when skating. The custom bag she ordered this time shows the details and materials chosen from a skater's point of view.
. For this customization, I made the bag with practicality when skating as my first priority. . In my case, the only time I use the bag is when I ride my bike or skate. . I changed the bottom part of the bag to a hard Cordura material to prevent scratches when the bag is placed on the deck while skating, and the body is made of canvas to make it lightweight. . This is something I had hoped to improve through the bags I have used in the past. The top cover is also water proof to protect against sudden rain while riding a bicycle. These days, I often carry equipment such as a PC and a camera for photography, so it is important that the bag is waterproof or not.
This is a roll-top backpack that many urban messengers have been using in recent years. The body is made of sturdy canvas, and the top cover is waterproof and waterproof. Both side pockets are provided, and the inside has a variety of compartments that can be used for different purposes. This is a model that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from active scenes to business. W39 x H43.5 x D16cm ¥15,800～
The appeal of this product is that it can create a bag that fits a person's lifestyle.
Mr. Atsumi says that in the past, he often used simple daypacks, focusing on basic design rather than functionality. While daring to use a cheap bag is also a skater's sensibility, this order has made him more concerned about capacity, durability, and functionality. The ability to customize a bag to suit his own tastes and preferences will have a significant impact on his bag selection in the future.
I had been using a daypack-like backpack for a long time, and it was time for me to try a bag with a different design. . I was interested in the roll-top bags that skaters and cyclists overseas were using. . I thought it would be useful not only for riding a bike, but also for skating. Moreover, the custom-order options are extensive, and you can choose materials, colors, and optional features and accessories depending on the bag model, so you can create a bag that fits your lifestyle. Lately, I've been commuting and traveling by skate, but getting this bag has made me want to get back on my bike."
Tomoharu Atsumi Around 2011, he started the brand "Hellraiser" with a New York-based designer. Known affectionately as "TSUMI-kun," he has recently been using a Kartell Bikes pisto bike.
