A unique collaboration! Leather Succoshes by HOUYHNHNM and Dumonks are now available!
Under the concept of "leather bags that continue to evolve," DEUX MONCX continues to create leather bags that fuse "quality" and "design. HOUYHNHNM's" has teamed up with this bag brand to create two types of succoches! The result is a cross between the proven craftsmanship and HOUYHNHNM's ideas, and the result is quite a nice one (if I do say so myself). So, in this issue, we will introduce the story behind the creation of these sacochets, and also have an appearance by Ken Kagami, a contemporary artist who painted a unique message on the bags, to unravel the charm of the items that went on sale on September 10.
Have you ever heard of the brand "Dumonks"? At first glance, the brand name may give the impression that it is a foreign brand, but it is actually a Japanese brand.
The bags are designed by Japanese craftsmen who have been making leather bags for many years. Dumonks' bags, which are designed based on his vast experience and skills, boast a high level of perfection, not only in terms of their resistance, but also in their meticulous design, down to the smallest specifications.
The same goes for the leather used, a technique that is not based on the philosophy of just using high quality leather, but rather choosing a fabric that fits the design. Leather has a variety of characteristics, ranging from smooth and sturdy to beautiful and shiny. By finding the right material for the right job, we can create a bag that fits the hand of the wearer and becomes more durable and endearing the more the bag is used.
In addition, the design is also unique. Instead of the heavy-duty, hard, heavy bank bag that Japanese businessmen carry, the design is conscious of adopting a European mood that takes advantage of flexibility and freedom of thought. The word "sophisticated" is often used to describe the look and feel of things, and the design fits that description. However, this does not mean that we have forgotten our traditions, and it also has a "calmness" that is suitable for adults to have.
A simple answer derived from the birth pains.
In January of this year, Dumonks and HOUYHNHNM's began working together on a new line of satchels. The two companies decided to work together on the concept of leather bags with a playful taste that is unique to HOUYHNHNM's, something that has never been seen in the brand before.
First of all, what kind of bag to make? The project began with the question, "What kind of bag should we make? From among the many ideas that came up, we came up with the idea of a "sakosh" and a "shopper" type bag.
The shopper type is the item shown in the photo (below). It is a very simple design, but it turned out to be more costly than we had imagined, so we decided to proceed by focusing only on the sacosh.
We inspected various items and verified even the smallest details as we created a sample of a "sacosh. However, the work did not go as smoothly as we had hoped. We took the design of an existing satchel and made an all-leather sample, but the finished product was somewhat drab. We continued to make samples with different details, but the answer we got was the same. The main material used for the "Sakosh" is nylon. We realized that the design was only possible with lightweight nylon.
We have considered the meaning of making a leather sackosh and focused on making the most of it, and this simple shape is the result. However, it is too simple and lacks originality. I thought, "I want to add a twist," and the idea of adding graphics came to mind.
A message that will make people overseas chuckle when they see it.
What kind of artist would be appropriate for HOUYHNHNM's to commission for the graphics? The answer that came to us was Ken Kagami, a contemporary artist. With the bag as the theme, we asked him to create a humorous text. After receiving several ideas, we decided to use the message "KEEP YOUR BAG CLOSED AND CLOSE TO YOU. What was the inspiration behind these words? Here is an interview with Ms. Kagami.
What was the inspiration behind the phrase "KEEP YOUR BAG CLOSED AND CLOSE TO YOU"?
KagaemiI don't think I've ever seen a bag with such an obvious statement on it. I thought it would be interesting (laughs). In Japan, there are not that many pickpockets, but overseas, there are a lot of pickpockets. So, I made the bag in a way that would make people overseas laugh when they see it.
I see (laughs).
KagaemiIt would be interesting to see an old lady with one of these (lol). But it's a cute finish in general!
Have you actually experienced being pickpocketed?
Kagaemi. there was an attempt... in Europe. When I was on the train, an elderly lady kept leaning in close to me, pretending to have her arms around me and trying to put her hand on my bag. I brushed her hand away, and she ran away. I wondered what he was doing. I was a little suspicious, but I had no idea it was a pickpocket... (Chuckles).
He said this message was born from such an experience.
KagaemiYes, such experience is one of the ideas. Japanese people are a bit peaceful, aren't they? They sleep on the train with their bags open. I had such a scene in my mind, and I thought it would be interesting to have such a message on the bag.
You have recently been painting these simple messages on canvas and putting them out as your own works of art.
Kagaemi. Yes, I have been making this kind of work for the past year or two. I draw only the concept. For example, I would draw "OIL ON CANVAS" on a canvas using an oil pen.
. it's often clearly stated in the caption of the work.
KagaemiYes, yes . I dare to make it into a work of art.
It's the opposite idea.
KagaemiThis bag is the same way, isn't it?
How do you feel about actually holding the finished product in your hands?
KagaemiThe print finish looks as if it were drawn directly on with a pen , which I like. . The leather is soft and light. I would be happy if someone likes it.
On sale at the Dumonks online store. Limited quantities!
After many twists and turns, the leather sakosh was finally completed. . I realized that more than half a year had passed since the project started.
The items come in two types: vertical and horizontal. Both are available in black, gray, red, and navy . In addition to the basic colors, we have also created a variety of playful colors that can be used as accents for coordinated outfits.
The thin, soft cowhide leather makes it lightweight , and the front has Kagami's text. The back is embossed with the logos of "Dumonks" and "HOUYHNHNM's" and Mr. Kagami's name.
The strap is sewn while the leather is folded inward for a beautiful appearance. The leather-covered snap buttons and other details showcase Dumonks' unique skills. It may seem ordinary, but such detailed workmanship takes a surprising amount of time and effort. Another important point is that the leather has been treated with a water-repellent finish. You can carry it even on a rainy day without worrying.
. If you think about it, a leather satchel may be easy to match with a variety of outfits. For example, a nylon satchel would be difficult to match with an elegant wool coat, but not with leather. Of course, leather also goes perfectly with casual and functional outerwear. . The season is already autumn. It is a fun time to think about how to coordinate your outfits. . I would be happy if you could include this satchel as one of your choices.
The product will only be available at the Dumonks online store. Each color is limited to 10 units, so if you are interested in this product, please click the shopping button as soon as possible!
