KICHIZO BY PORTER CLASSIC.
May 4, 2010
(open all images in new tab/window to enlarge)
Whilst sifting through old image banks last nights I came across this set from a few months ago. I was invited by Leo and Katsu Yoshida of Porter Classic to attend the inaugural exhibition (viewing/presentation) of their brand new sub-line, Kichizo. Named after the Yoshida family patriarch and founder of Yoshida Co. Ltd (Porter Japan), this is the second line produced by Leo and Katsu after parting ways with the original Porter company, in an effort to continue Kichizo's legacy of producing only the finest hand finished and detailed bags and accessories.
At the time due to a media embargo I wasn't able to share these images, but with the impending arrival of the line into stores across the world, I'm now allowed to show you a few snaps from the exhibition, designed by one of the true godfathers of the Tokyo Ura-hara movement.
The bag collection was separated into two parts - Organic Cotton & Leather, and Polyester. The cotton/leather range is a bit more premium, and features some great details which aren't immediately noticeable to the eye. Komu Yoshida, Leo's cousin and one of Yoshida Co. Ltd's top designers, also left the company to join their team. Each item from the cotton/leather bag range also comes with its own brass key chain, as below.
Some of my favourite pieces from the range. Tote, and backpack. I like the straps.
Some close-ups of the detailing in their bags. Some of these took months with dozens of revisions before approval.
Accessories also played a large part in the inaugural Kichizo collection. Premium leather wallets, belts, brass wallet chains, and I love the little tag at the end of the chain. It might read a little corny to some, but it truly embodies Leo and Katsu's design philosophy behind Porter Classic and Kichizo. If you ever get the chance to chat to these gentlemen you'll see it almost immediately.
The initial collection also included a few apparel pieces, like this waistcoat and railworker's jacket, manufactured in the special hand-woven Kendo fabric, traditionally only reserved for the "gi" and other apparel worn by kendoka (Kendo fighters). It took Katsu over 15 meetings with the Kendo association of Japan to seek permission to use this fabric in a fashion sense, as Kendo is held at a very sacred level amongst traditional Japanese culture. The fabric is thick yet supple, breathable but tough, and really needs to be felt to be believed, which I suppose makes sense given its intended original usage. I love the jacket. Perhaps my favourite from this entire season's worth of exhibitions.
Katsu also managed to include a couple of rather interesting items from his guitar collection in the exhibition. Like his friend Eric's Strat.
Or this personalized Martin&Co., featuring a mother-of-pearl silhouette of Katsu's head. Incredible.
Thank you Katsu! おめでとうございます !! Congratulations on the opening of your new pawn shop too.
The Kichizo Collection by Porter Classic will be released starting on 20th May 2010 at Porter Classic Tokyo and select retailers across the globe.
PORTER CLASSIC
東京都千代田区内幸町1-7 インターナショナルアーケード
第1アーケード内
Tel 03-5512-0150
営業時間 11:00～20:00 年中無休
(next door to Imperial/Teikoku Hotel, 5 mins walk from Yurakucho station)
http://www.porterclassic.com
