Product birth story
PRODUCT STORY
tote bagTote Bag
“A tote bag that shows a variety of expressions”
The Brooklyn Original Tote Bag was created in March 2002, when the Aoyama main store opened, by combining the know-how we had cultivated over 24 years as a wholesaler.
The reason why this tote bag was created.
To begin with, tote bags have the great advantage of being a convenient bag that can hold a lot of things. However, I was wondering, ``It's an absolute requirement for a bag to be easy to use in a business setting, so why aren't there any tote bags that can be used in business?'' I think this is because there was a strong impression that regular tote bags were not suitable for business because of their casual appearance. Therefore, I wanted to create a leather tote bag that would take advantage of the ease of use of totes and would also go well with a suit style. The key to commercializing this tote, which had a strong casual image, was how to make it elegant.
The reason why this tote bag was created.
To begin with, tote bags have the great advantage of being a convenient bag that can hold a lot of things. However, I was wondering, ``It's an absolute requirement for a bag to be easy to use in a business setting, so why aren't there any tote bags that can be used in business?'' I think this is because there was a strong impression that regular tote bags were not suitable for business because of their casual appearance. Therefore, I wanted to create a leather tote bag that would take advantage of the ease of use of totes and would also go well with a suit style. The key to commercializing this tote, which had a strong casual image, was how to make it elegant.
“Smart silhouette”
First of all, the silhouette was important. I thought the gusset width was especially important. We created many patterns and explored various angles in order to create a silhouette that balanced the person and the bag and looked beautiful from any angle.
After much trial and error, I decided that a gusset width of 7 cm would be good, and when I made a sample, I found that the storage capacity was excellent, but the bottom part was heavy, and I didn't get the smart feeling that was important to me. Therefore, by making the bottom part of the gusset 1cm thinner and utilizing the principle that the center part naturally flexes, we were able to achieve the best balance we were looking for.
After much trial and error, I decided that a gusset width of 7 cm would be good, and when I made a sample, I found that the storage capacity was excellent, but the bottom part was heavy, and I didn't get the smart feeling that was important to me. Therefore, by making the bottom part of the gusset 1cm thinner and utilizing the principle that the center part naturally flexes, we were able to achieve the best balance we were looking for.
“Pockets created with everything in mind”
Next, we decided to discuss the important aspect of a tote bag, ``usability,'' by giving examples of what kind of items would be used in actual work.
At that time, the items we carried around included wallets, notebooks, memo pads, business card holders, pencil cases, cell phones, B4 files, calculators, glasses cases, key cases, etc., and I felt that at the very least, we had to create a way to store these things properly.
Among them, the most important thing was the pockets for storing small items. I was reminded of the importance of this from my own experience.There have been many times when I found my cell phone in my bag, but the call went off while I was looking for it, and even when I called back immediately afterwards, I couldn't get through.
In order to avoid missing out on important business opportunities, we focused on the layout so that you can see at a glance what's inside and where.We focused on functionality and ease of use, as ``by putting small items in pockets, you naturally become tidy.''We created pockets with great care.
At that time, the items we carried around included wallets, notebooks, memo pads, business card holders, pencil cases, cell phones, B4 files, calculators, glasses cases, key cases, etc., and I felt that at the very least, we had to create a way to store these things properly.
Among them, the most important thing was the pockets for storing small items. I was reminded of the importance of this from my own experience.There have been many times when I found my cell phone in my bag, but the call went off while I was looking for it, and even when I called back immediately afterwards, I couldn't get through.
In order to avoid missing out on important business opportunities, we focused on the layout so that you can see at a glance what's inside and where.We focused on functionality and ease of use, as ``by putting small items in pockets, you naturally become tidy.''We created pockets with great care.
“A handle that combines function and design”
Furthermore, the handle is the most abused part of the bag. The shape was decided by making it square and flat, considering the balance with the bag itself.
Early handles focused on smartness, so they were simple with a thin core. However, due to constant use of the bag, the handle began to look worn out, and we were forced to urgently review the specifications.
The core was placed evenly on the handle, but when you actually grip it, the force is not applied uniformly, which causes the handle to lose its shape and easily damage the leather. As we pursued the question of ``what is a handle that is easier to hold and can be used for a long time?'', we found that there was room for consideration in how to insert the core.
Therefore, we added a thicker core to the center of the handle and changed the thickness so that the handle overlaps when holding the bag, making it easier to grip. The mounting surface of the bag and handle is also machine-sewn vertically and horizontally, and the finishing touch is hand-stitched to create a unique Brooklyn handle that is easy to hold, durable, and combines functionality and design.
Even when it comes to bags, we have a selection of colors that will make your coordination look even more beautiful, as this is a tool that will make your work more enjoyable and colorful by wearing colors that will make your coordination look even more beautiful.
“Just like shoes and belts, bags can be used depending on the occasion.”
This tote bag is a product of Brooklyn's constant pursuit of the joy of use.
