Today, I'd like to introduce you to desertic, which I announced the other day.
As I wrote in a previous blog post, the distinctive desertic bags first appeared more than 10 years ago.
Of course, they have since been further improved, but their appearance (design) is said to be largely unchanged from when they first appeared.
desertic bags are "bags whose design hasn't changed in over 10 years."
So, how many other items in the same "bag" genre, especially ones that are so eye-catching, exist like that?
Furthermore, not just bags, but if we consider "clothing," there would be very few items whose main design hasn't changed for 10 years.
Especially, generally speaking, clothing cycles through "seasonal collections twice a year."
This includes the passion for "newness," and it's also true that it captivates viewers.
In contrast, there's "desertic," as mentioned above.
It's not a biannual cycle, and as I keep saying, it's "something new that emerged over 10 years ago."
Considering that, what desertic creates might exist on a different timeline, not within the "realm of fashion."
desertic is "neither old nor new."
It might be said to be a feeling extremely close to "works of art" like paintings.
In paintings, concepts like "old" or "new" don't really exist, do they?
It feels more aligned with that sensibility than with the biannual cycle of fashion.
Also, as Mr. Taira said, the desertic knit with "patchwork."
The finished sweaters are decades-old vintage pieces, and they were made in various countries.
He uses items that have withstood "decades" of time.
That's why desertic bags, constructed by joining individual knits like that, live on a different timeline than fashion.
At first glance, each desertic bag is very eye-catching.
But if you look closely, you'll feel that each one has an atmosphere of immense depth and power.
That can be called desertic's "aura."
The atmosphere, time, and traces of people from various countries.
desertic is a culmination of all those things across decades of time and space.
As announced, it will be held for 9 days from Saturday, November 30th to Sunday, December 8th.
We have prepared an impressive lineup unique to desertic, including bags of various shapes, chairs, stools, and scarves.
Each of these is an item that you won't see anywhere else but desertic.
Also, on Sunday, December 1st, a special guest from a "partner store" whom I deeply respect will be at the store all day.
I can't mention their name in this blog, but those who know, know. In fact, they're one of the legendary figures in clothing sales. (Laughs)
I still remember them serving me on the second floor of a certain store about 10 years ago.
So, if you're coming, please look forward to it.
With that, today I'll introduce desertic's lineup.
desertic
Patchwork Tote
material _ VINTAGE HAND KNIT
color _ WHITE
size _ S
First, this.
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, this is the first time for "WHITE."
"WHITE" is composed entirely of hand-knitted items made with knitting needles.
Therefore, even among white knits, the yarn itself is thicker, and the shading is stronger.
And the bottom is similarly made entirely of hand-knitted white knit.
Until now, our store has only handled multi-color types, but "WHITE" can be called a special piece even within desertic.
The reason is that a tote bag must be made only from vintage sweaters that are "white" and "hand-knitted."
Therefore, it's difficult to gather the necessary amount of knit.
Also...
As you can see...
Since it's sewn continuously with a sewing machine from the bottom, it's difficult for the machine to withstand the "thickness" of the hand-knitted fabric for long periods, making continuous production impossible.
Every single desertic bag is already a "one-of-a-kind" item.
But even among them,
・Hand-knitted
・White
・Within the sewing machine's sewing capabilities
These three conditions must be met for desertic's "WHITE" to be produced.
Also, it's hard to gather enough white knit, and due to the sewing machine, it's even more difficult to produce a large quantity within desertic, but even so, there's a "uniqueness to WHITE" that owners can enjoy.
That is the change in the "white knit."
Vintage hand-knitted sweaters are woven with thick wool yarn.
Therefore, it is said that when the bag is used continuously, the oils in the wool react to various environmental factors, including sunlight, causing the color to change naturally.
In other words, differences in "white" color emerge in various areas.
And what it will become, what color differences will emerge, is a special piece that differs for each item.
Moreover, the felting of the knit progresses, making it physically stronger and stronger.
Changes in "color" and "surface texture."
This is a benefit to the owner unique to desertic, and the joy of continuing to use it over many years can be experienced through each individual patchwork piece.
The handle is a strong nylon herringbone tape.
The brand apparently tried various handle materials, but ultimately settled on this nylon handle.
This material won't tear, and the change in texture over time isn't unpleasant.
Considering the sense of security when using it continuously, the overall change, and the desired mood, the combination of vintage knit and nylon tape is the best match.
And this is the inside, the bottom surface.
It's a combination of "vintage sweater" + "supporting core material on the back" + "thick canvas", and then it's pierced with a large amount of stitching.
In the picture, despite being a small tote bag, there's an immense number of stitches.
And yes, that's right.
Compared to last year's model, there's a slight change in shape, and the bottom surface is closer to a square.
Therefore, whether placed next to you, or in a room, it achieves a deeper presence from any angle.
All have inner pockets.
Let's say, hypothetically, that the owner uses it a lot sometimes, and then not at all for a while, and so on, but keeps it for 10 or 20 years.
Then, imagine a part or even a large portion of the hand-knitted wool yarn felting and covering the original stitches... it would be amazing, wouldn't it?
It exists close to clothing and can be considered a "fashion item," but I think it belongs a little to both "product" and "artwork" on a slightly different, more relaxed and longer timeline, so it might be good to perceive it that way.
Well, as mentioned earlier, desertic bags were born more than 10 years ago and have no sense of trend, so I think it's appropriate to consider them from that perspective.
And then, this one.
desertic
Patchwork Tote
material _ VINTAGE SWEATER
color _ MULTI
size _ S
This.
A multi-color tote bag size S of the same size.
The other side too.
The bottom too.
This MULTI is also a tote bag made of patchwork from different vintage sweaters.
According to Mr. Taira, desertic started in 2006.
Originally, he was making clothes, gaining attention for knitwear like the "liquid sweater."
In the course of that activity, he apparently created various things, but they were pared down to bags.
Each one is very impressive, and even though the S size is small, I think you can feel the unique "aura" from the real thing.
This MULTI also has a canvas interior with a large amount of stitching.
The outer side has red stitching.
The canvas side has off-white stitching.
desertic
Patchwork PC case
material _ VINTAGE SWEATER,WASTE AIR BAG
color _ MULTI,DARK
size _ 29×38
And there's this too.
A patchwork "PC case" made from vintage sweaters, just like the tote bags before.
The bags up until now featured a durable canvas interior, with a large amount of stitching piercing through it.
In contrast, this one has plain stitching on the front.
And on the back, a discarded airbag is installed.
It closes with a round Velcro fastener.
Last year, we had a small number of PC cases in stock, but they had blue tarp lining and a magnetic closure.
Mr. Taira of desertic also receives design commissions in fields other than fashion.
When I hear about it, it's on such an incredible scale.
I can't go into too much detail, but he's a "designer" who also works on solving the problem of how to deal with materials that cannot be recycled or melted and reused like plastic or iron, and whose disposal is a challenge.
He is also a person who contributes to social issues through "design" from a different perspective than "upcycling" or "remaking" in the fashion scene.
He's also implementing this in his own desertic brand.
When an airbag deploys, it absolutely cannot tear, right?
So, the material is said to be incredibly durable.
However, on the other hand, it is difficult to reuse.
By using it as a lining in a bag that also functions as a PC case, he's able to give the bag more than enough functionality.
Moreover, the way it's used is "designed," so it's quite cool.
It's a material that anyone can feel its strength and safety, and I was reminded once again that this is truly "design."
This color is a rare type unified in dark tones.
The size is as stated above.
Comes with a hand-held handle and a shoulder strap.
You'll see when you actually look at it, but it's perfectly fine to use it not only as a PC case but also as a shoulder bag.
desertic
Patchwork Tote
material _ VINTAGE SWEATER
color _ MULTI
size _ S,L
And then, small size S and large size L.
Of course, if you see the real thing, you'll feel the power from the larger size, but please consider it according to your needs.
Especially for the MULTI color variation, there's definitely something that will be a perfect match for the owner.
It's a similar feeling to the Artisan's belt from taupe D.Motoike that we sold the other day, but I think there will be something that "catches the eye" of the person who owns it. That's how these things are.
At the store, we have quite a range of variations for the 9 days, so I think those considering it will be able to choose.
desertic
Patchwork Tote
material _ VINTAGE HAND KNIT
color _ WHITE
size _ L
Finally, this one for today.
The large size L in WHITE.
It probably has a very calm appearance at first, but as mentioned, over time, it undergoes its "unique changes."
Especially with the large size, its appearance and presence are fully expressed.
Since it's made up of many hand-knitted white knits, you can feel its thickness and unique weight from the actual product.
Today, only bags are featured, but as mentioned at the beginning, we will also exhibit and sell chairs and stools from Herman Miller.
If you're able to visit, please enjoy the desertic space during the exhibition period.