The latest collaboration between SLOW and BEAMS. The lineup includes three types of nylon-based items that embody Japan Craft.
2024.04.15
SLOW is a Made in Japan brand that has created items that become more enjoyable the more you use them and that you can enjoy using for a long time, with the desire to slowly pursue creativity without being swept away by the rapidly changing times.
BEAMS has been doing business with this brand, which is synonymous with leather, for over 10 years and has released a number of Special order items.
Newly Special order for this season are three bag styles that use nylon instead of leather.
The lineup includes the ` AZUMA BAG,'' which takes its design from the traditional Japanese ``Azuma bag,'' the ``HELMET BAG,'' and the ``RUCK SACK,'' which have military roots, and each of these collections is filled with unique designs and attention to detail.
The brand's signature craftsmanship is expressed in the products, and the use of nylon material has resulted in trendy items that people of all ages will want to use, while the fine details make them convenient for everyday use.
Sales of the "AZUMA" will begin on Saturday, April 20th at BEAMS label stores nationwide and at BEAMS ONLINE SHOP. Pre-orders for the "HELMET BAG" and "RUCK SACK" will begin on Saturday, April 20th, with the items scheduled for release on Friday, June 7th.
Be sure to also take a look at the behind-the-scenes stories about the production as told by the buyers in charge, Iizuka and Ogawa.
Photography_@kiyotakahamamura
Art direction_ @aloha_from_okinawa @aloha_from_okinawa
SLOW × BEAMS
AZUMA
Taking inspiration from the ancient Japanese "Azuma bag," which is said to have originated from furoshiki and tenugui cloths sewn together to serve as a bag, the bag is made of nylon for modern, everyday use. It is highly practical as it can be carried in a variety of ways, such as diagonally, over the shoulder, or by hand. It also features a pocket with a concealed zipper on the front and one side for added convenience. Additionally, the large opening of the main body has three hook buttons to ensure a sense of security.
The handles and name tag are subtly made of leather, giving the bag a SLOW feel. By removing the leather and tying the nylon together, you can enjoy the feel of a traditional furoshiki wrapping cloth.
¥15,400 each (inc. tax)
NYLON HELMET BAG
A new design has been created by combining the appeal of the US ARMY pilot helmet bag and the UK ARMY pilot helmet bag. The double pockets on the front of the bag are intentionally not fitted with flaps, making the bag simpler and easier to use on a daily basis.
Combined with its compact size, it could become the new standard for helmet bags.
¥17,600 each (inc. tax)
NYLON RUCK SACK
The word "bonsack" in this bonsack-style backpack comes from the French word for a vertical, cylindrical storage container, and was originally used as a military item. This item has been redesigned to be used daily in modern times. The double pockets on the front are large and easy to use, and the zipper on the side runs through to the interior, making it easy to take things in and out.
¥25,300 each (inc. tax)
- release date
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
*The "NYLON HELMET BAG" and "RUCK SACK" are scheduled for release on Friday, June 7th, so advance reservations will be accepted from Saturday, April 20th.
- Sales store
- Stores nationwide that carry the BEAMS label
BEAMS ONLINE SHOP
The latest work from SLOW × BEAMS. The lineup includes three types of nylon material that embody Japan Craft.
BEAMS has been continuing to Special order a series of bags from SLOW, a bag brand that is particular about high-quality Made in Japan products. The latest version uses nylon instead of leather. The completed bags are all very practical and logical. So, what kind of bags are they? We asked the two buyers who are the driving force behind this project about their appeal.
SLOW
Based on Sports, Luxury, Outdoor and Work as its foundations, the brand develops products that become more enjoyable the more you use them, and that can be enjoyed for a long time, without being swept away by the fast-changing times.The brand utilizes the skills of Japanese craftsmen, with an American casual background.
@slow2008
Ryo Ogawa | BEAMS Men's Casual Buyer
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1997. He started working as a part-timer in 2017 and was appointed men's casual wear buyer in September 2023. He admires rude men and has many manly hobbies such as drinking and mahjong in addition to motorcycles.
@ogawa_ryo_
Subaru Iizuka | BEAMS Men's Casual Buyer
Born in 1993, he is a buyer in his eighth year at the company, known for his buying sense that captures the times. He is also the initiator of BEAMS' project "FUTURE ARCHIVE", which was launched with the concept of "creating an 'archive of the future' that will not fade even 10 or 20 years from now".
@kou99999
Contrary to appearances, it is packed with detailed work.
-Please tell us how this Special order item came to be.
Iizuka: It's a local thing, but the buyer team had been using cross-body bags for a while, and the phrase "It would be nice if there was a cross-body bag like this" was often mentioned. At that time, the offer to Special order with SLOW came up at the right time, so I made a big proposal (laughs).
-That's the "AZUMA BAG." Why did SLOW, which is well-known for aging leather and other materials, choose nylon?
Iizuka: Actually, this is our second time making Special order using nylon. The first time was a 2-way shopping bag made of tie-dyed nylon, and this time we decided to expand the number of styles.
Ogawa: We also had an original nylon fabric made that has tension and a glossy feel. SLOW is a big fan of nylon, and considering current fashion trends, we've heard a lot of people say that nylon is easier to use on a daily basis than leather.
-So, please tell us about the items you will be releasing this time.
Iizuka: This isn't just limited to SLOW, but when it comes to Special order, we try not to just change the materials or colors or do things like reprinting things we've made in the past, so this piece, which we proposed from the outset, is a completely BEAMS limted item.
-Among them all, AZUMA BAG has a unique silhouette.
Iizuka: As the name suggests, it is a modern interpretation of the old "Azuma bag". The "Azuma bag" is a simple bag made by sewing together a large piece of cloth such as a furoshiki in a straight line, and can be used as a tote bag, shoulder bag, or drawstring bag. The shape is very interesting.
Ogawa: Also, there are three hook and eye buttons on the opening to prevent things from falling out, and there is a pocket with a concealed zipper on the front and one on each side. It's perfect for storing things you want to take out quickly, like your smartphone, earphones, or wallet. It looks simple at first glance, but it's designed with practicality in mind.
Iizuka: The handle is made of leather to express SLOW style. However, this can also be removed and used like a furoshiki by tying the nylon together.
The thoughts behind Special order.
-It certainly seems like a very logical design, and it seems to have a good reputation among foreigners. Before I ask about the other two, what does the brand SLOW mean to you two?
Iizuka: It's a classic brand that's always available at BEAMS stores, and is known for its leather accessories.
Ogawa: It's a brand made by Japanese craftsmen that isn't influenced by trends. BEAMS has been doing business with them for many years, and some of the regular items are like Item number items that always sell out when they arrive.
Iizuka: I have visited SLOW 's factory, and I felt that the cost performance compared to the high quality and craftsmanship of the craftsmen was overwhelmingly amazing. If it is such a wonderful brand, I think it can deliver our idea of fashion, that is, to trend-conscious fashion lovers. This feeling is also put into this Special order.
-It's like an opportunity to let more people know about SLOW. The visuals you shot are also wonderful.
Iizuka: This is one of the new attempts we've been trying since the first edition. I think that by changing not only the items but also the way they're presented, we can show a new side of SLOW. We've actually had a great response from BEAMS staff and customers, so we feel like it's going well.
-It feels like you've broken new ground! Now, going back to the topic, please tell us about the NYLON HELMET BAG and NYLON RUCK SACK.
Ogawa: First, let's start with the "NYLON HELMET BAG". The design source is a fusion of US ARMY and UK ARMY helmet bags. The basic premise was to create a minimalist design, so we eliminated the military feel by eliminating the pocket flaps that are unique to US ARMY and by eliminating the round shape that is unique to UK ARMY.
-The design is simple and clean.
Ogawa: The size is just right, not too small and not too big. It's a helmet bag that can be used daily by both men and women.
-The tag on the back is also a clever touch. It's invisible when you're carrying it on your back.
Ogawa: Just like with clothes, it's nice when someone asks "Where's that from?" That's definitely something I aim for (laughs). The "NYLON RUCK SACK" is based on the bonsack-style backpack that was originally used as a military item. Bonsack is a French word for a vertical, cylindrical storage container. In terms of design, the front pocket is distinctive, and it's long and has a gusset so it can easily fit a 500ml plastic bottle. I don't think you see this size very often. It also has a side zipper that makes it easy to put things in and take them out. I think it's very easy to use.
-It seems like a good example of a backpack that has the bare minimum of functionality and is minimalist with the bare minimum of parts. Lastly, please tell us about your future plans with SLOW.
Iizuka: The second volume will be released soon, so I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of reaction we get, but I want the third volume to be something that makes people think, "So that's how it turned out!" Please look forward to it!